In Yekaterinburg, a drone attack on a Wildberries logistics facility has ignited a fire, with thick smoke now billowing from the site. Reports indicate that the initial blaze began in one of the warehouse blocks, which is large enough to potentially burn for over two days.
Videos shared by witnesses show a Ukrainian drone, identified as “Lutyiy,” approaching the warehouse prior to the attack. Following the incident, Wildberries confirmed that firefighters are at the scene dealing with the fire and that a preemptive evacuation took place.
According to Wildberries, operations at the site, including the reception of current shipments, have been temporarily restricted as supplies are redirected to other locations. Video footage shows warehouse employees standing outside the facility, wearing the company’s signature purple uniforms.
The evacuation reportedly involved around 800 people, according to local publication Astra, which shared additional images and videos showing the fire escalating at the warehouse.
Astra also highlighted that this incident is part of a broader pattern, as Wildberries has faced drone attacks nearly every day since mid-July, resulting in a loss of at least 17% of its warehouse space. The financial impact on platform sellers is estimated to reach 280 billion rubles (approximately $3.5 billion).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the warehouses targeted contained drone components and navigation equipment subject to sanctions. Furthermore, industry experts have warned that the potential bankruptcy of Wildberries could lead to significant repercussions for major banks in Russia, including VTB.
