Ukraine’s pivot to warehouse strikes brings war closer to ordinary Russians

Ukraine has shifted its long-range strike campaign to target Wildberries, Russia's largest e-commerce company, with drone attacks on its warehouses. These strikes, occurring frequently over the past week across Russia, have destroyed billions of dollars worth of merchandise. The primary impact falls on independent merchants, many of whom are small business owners, who have lost their entire stock and received minimal compensation. Wildberries had recently updated its terms to exempt itself from liability for goods destroyed in "force majeure" events like drone attacks. Ukraine states these are legitimate military strikes targeting logistics facilities, potentially used to transport components for drone production, and aims to disrupt the sense of normality for urban Russians.

Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskii. Drapatyi, who gained recognition in 2014 for his actions in Mariupol, is tasked with leading the military to victory in the ongoing war with Russia. His appointment is seen by some as a shift towards Western military strategies, contrasting with Syrskii's Soviet-era training. While Drapatyi is trusted and known for caring about soldiers, systemic contradictions between the General Staff and the Ministry of Defence, stemming from Soviet-era structures, remain a challenge. This appointment follows the recent dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was known for his innovative approach to drone warfare.

Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has refused President Zelensky's offer of a new role, insisting on being reinstated. Fedorov stated that his team had a specific plan to end the war upon his appointment in January, focusing on sky protection, front stabilization, and strikes against Russia's economy. He believes this plan has been consistently implemented, leading to Ukraine seizing the initiative and creating an opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength. Fedorov emphasized his desire to influence the outcome and bring Ukraine closer to victory, rather than seeking personal status. He has already been replaced by Yevhenii Khmara. President Zelensky had offered Fedorov the position of deputy prime minister for military innovation, a role he described as crucial for coordinating innovation with defence leadership.

Ukrainian drones have targeted several Wildberries warehouses, Russia's largest online retailer, in recent days. The attacks, which began over the weekend and continued into Wednesday, have resulted in casualties and significant destruction of goods, estimated at £750 million. Kyiv claims these logistics facilities are used to supply components for drone production and navigation equipment, and to disrupt Russian supplies. However, the strikes have also severely impacted hundreds of Russian small and medium-sized businesses that rely on Wildberries for their livelihoods, with many losing substantial stock and facing financial ruin. Wildberries, acting as a marketplace, is not liable for losses due to drone attacks, as per a recent contract amendment. The company owner has promised support to affected sellers.

Ukrainian drones struck logistics hubs belonging to Russian online retailer Wildberries in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions overnight on Tuesday. The attacks injured 15 people, according to the company's founder and regional governors. This marks the second time in four days that Ukraine has targeted the firm's facilities, following previous strikes on warehouses in Tambov and Elektrostal that resulted in casualties. Kyiv has claimed these warehouses are used to supply components for Russia's drones and navigation equipment. The company's founder stated that workers were evacuated from the impacted sites.

Ukrainian drones attacked logistics centers belonging to Russia's top online retailer, Wildberries, on Wednesday, injuring eight people. The company's CEO confirmed that warehouses in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk were evacuated following the strikes. Governor Vladimir Vladimirov reported a fire at a warehouse complex near Nevinnomyssk, with five individuals receiving medical attention, while three more were wounded in Krasnodar by falling drone debris. These attacks follow a similar incident on Saturday that killed eight workers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the army targeted "important facilities" in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, including logistics centers supplying the Russian army and an oil depot. Additionally, Ukrainian forces claimed to have struck 13 Russian vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

Ukrainian drones have targeted two additional warehouses belonging to Wildberries, identified as Russia's largest online retailer. The article states that these strikes occurred recently, though a specific date is not provided. The locations of these warehouses are not detailed in the provided text. The article does not offer any information regarding the motivation or reasons behind these drone attacks.

President Zelenskyy faces growing pressure to reinstate sacked Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who campaigners demand be returned to his post. This comes after Zelenskyy dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of the armed forces. Fedorov has reportedly refused a different government role, insisting on his former position to implement army reforms. Protests are planned to continue until his demands are met, presenting Zelenskyy with a difficult choice between appeasing public anger and maintaining presidential authority. The military shake-up follows a generational conflict between Fedorov and Syrskyi.

Ukraine has targeted four Wildberries warehouses in a recent campaign of drone strikes. Wildberries, Russia's leading online retailer, began as a small family business and has become a significant economic force. The company processes an estimated 20 million orders daily from its extensive network of warehouses across Russia. These strikes are part of a broader effort by Ukraine to target the company, which is central to Russia's consumer economy. By attacking Wildberries, Ukraine is bringing the conflict closer to ordinary Russians who rely on the retailer's services.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, with General Mykhailo Drapatyi. Drapatyi, a respected and innovative general, will oversee a reorganization of the army's command structure and continue Ukraine's long-range drone attacks on Russian targets. Zelenskyy also announced the return of Mykhailo Fedorov to government following his recent dismissal as defense minister, which had sparked nationwide protests. Fedorov's return was met with welcome from Drapatyi, who emphasized the need for change and meeting public expectations. Yevhen Khmara has been appointed as the new defense minister.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a young tech innovator credited with modernizing the country's drone program, sparking nationwide protests. This decision stemmed from a clash between Fedorov's reformist approach and the traditional command culture of Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the seasoned commander of Ukraine's armed forces. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking necessary military reforms due to the evolving nature of the war. Syrskyi, a Soviet-trained general, has been instrumental in key Ukrainian military victories, though he has also faced criticism and earned the nickname "Butcher" for his role in costly battles. The ouster has led to protests from veterans and soldiers who desire a new generation of generals prioritizing troop lives, while Russian commentators expressed hope for Ukrainian political infighting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi, the country's commander-in-chief. This action follows the recent removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which prompted street protests. Reports indicate a conflict between Syrskyi and Fedorov contributed to these changes. Fedorov, 35, was recognized for modernizing the armed forces and combating corruption. Syrskyi, 60, is described as a commander resistant to significant army reforms. This is a developing story with further details expected.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced Oleksandr Syrskii as the country's commander-in-chief with Mykhailo Drapatyi. This decision follows six days of protests in Kyiv, which were triggered by the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov had previously clashed with Syrskii, accusing the military chief of hindering his reform efforts, particularly in drone innovation and technology. Zelenskyy stated the change was intended to "reset" the defense against Russia and address friction within military leadership, including issues with mobilization and front-line management. Fedorov was offered a new government position unifying the technology sector, though his acceptance was unclear.

Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Drapatyi, 43, gained prominence for his combat leadership in 2014 during the early stages of the conflict with Russia, notably leading a daring rescue mission in Mariupol and a breakout from encirclement. He has spent his career in combat assignments, rising through the ranks and leading critical defense operations, including halting Russian advances in Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv regions. Drapatyi is known for his discipline and effectiveness, and his appointment signifies a new generation of Ukrainian generals forged in conflict. He has previously expressed frustration with systemic resistance to reform within the military.