Russia's businesses under strain from Ukraine's attacks on Wildberries
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian retailer Wildberries' logistics hubs have caused significant economic disruption and casualties. The attacks are part of a broader strategy to target infrastructure supporting the Russian military effort.
Why it matters
The targeting of civilian-facing logistics hubs marks an escalation in the economic impact of the war on the Russian domestic population.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Four Wildberries warehouses have been targeted, including this one in Nevinnomyssk early on Wednesday
Ukrainian drones have hit several retail warehouses belonging to Russia's biggest online retailer, Wildberries, in a matter of days, dealing a blow to a large number of small and medium-sized businesses.
After months of drone attacks on oil depots and refineries, Kyiv says it is now targeting logistics hubs used by Russians to buy military equipment, and disrupting supplies to the Russian army.
But it has also frustrated hundreds of Russian sellers who depend on online marketplaces for their livelihoods, making the war feel closer to home after almost four and a half years.
"I am a mother of a disabled child, I've built the business myself," one woman complained on an expletive-laden social media post that went viral.
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