Ukrainian drones set fire to Wildberries warehouse in Yekaterinburg

Ukrainian long-range drones hit a Wildberries warehouse in Yekaterinburg, Russia’s fourth-largest city, setting the roof ablaze but leaving most merchandise intact, regional authorities reported on Friday. The attack occurred more than 2,000 kilometres from the front line and was part of a series of strikes on facilities in the Ural region.

Regional governor Denis Pasler said three drones struck the warehouse’s roof, and Artyom Zhoga, the Kremlin’s regional representative, confirmed that about 800 people were evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The incident follows other recent Ukrainian drone operations that have targeted Russian logistics hubs and even an oil refinery in western Siberia, illustrating Kyiv’s reliance on unmanned systems as a component of its broader defence strategy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted ongoing efforts to develop indigenous anti-ballistic and missile technologies, noting cooperation with European partners on a joint shield program and the testing of domestically produced ballistic missiles.

Russia’s defence ministry said its air defences downed 203 Ukrainian drones between late Thursday and early Friday, while the Russian air force reported launching 147 long-range strike drones against Ukrainian targets in the same period.