Drone Attack Sparks Massive Fire at Wildberries Warehouse in Tambov, Russia
Drone Strike Causes Major Disruption to Russian E-Commerce Sector
Details of the Attack and Immediate Impact
Aug 26 (Reuters) - An overnight drone attack started a large fire at a warehouse of Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries in Russia's Tambov region, officials said on Wednesday, as Ukraine pushes ahead with its campaign to hurt the economy by targeting online retailers.
Extent of the Damage
Tambov Governor Evgeniy Pervyshov said about 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of the facility were set ablaze, the equivalent of 14 soccer pitches.
One person was injured in the strike, he wrote on the Telegram messaging app. He did not say if the fire had been extinguished.
Broader Campaign Against Russian Retailers
Ukraine has been hitting Wildberries facilities since mid-July and broadened its strategy in recent days to include the retailer's main rival, Ozon.
Economic Impact on Russian Market
The pair dominate one of the fastest-growing parts of the Russian economy, which is otherwise close to stagnation after 4-1/2 years of war in Ukraine.
Other Drone Attacks in the Region
Casualties in Lipetsk and Belgorod Regions
In neighbouring Lipetsk region, a man and a 14-year-old were killed in a fire lit by a falling drone, while a woman was killed in a drone attack in Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, local authorities said on Telegram.
Official Statements on Civilian Targets
Both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly denied targeting civilians since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
(Reporting by ReutersWriting by Alessandra PrenticeEditing by Jacqueline Wong and Andrew Heavens)