Ukraine launches major drone strikes on Russian logistics hubs and oil depot

Ukraine has unleashed a devastating fireball blitz on key Russian infrastructure, with hundreds of drones swarming targets deep inside the country.

In the early hours of Saturday, huge plumes of smoke billowed above Wildberries’ vast logistics centre in Elektrostal.

The headquarters of the company often dubbed the “Russian Amazon” are situated just 60km from the Kremlin.

Seven people were killed and two dozen injured in the strike on the online marketplace’s sprawling warehouse complex.

Volodymyr Zelensky said the facility was targeted because it was “used by the aggressor to ensure the supply of sanctioned components for the production of drones and navigation equipment”.

The Ukrainian president added: “In response to Russian attacks on our civilian infrastructure, our cities and communities, two significant logistics facilities were hit – in the Moscow and Tambov regions.”

Pro-Ukrainian commentators hailed the attack, declaring: “Probably the best night in a long time.

“Finally, counter-actions against logistical hubs controlled by the Russians have begun.

“There are far more of these hubs in Russian-controlled territory than there are in ours. They all need to be destroyed.”

The Tambov regional governor, Yevgeny Pervyshov, condemned the assault as a “premeditated terrorist attack against civilians”.

Another major strike ignited a key oil depot in Noginsk, triggering a massive blaze that forced the evacuation of a nearby maternity hospital.

In one of the biggest infernos of the war, towering clouds of thick black smoke could be seen for miles.

The latest wave of attacks is expected to cause widespread disruption across Russia, striking the country’s critical supply network.

The raids are also seen as retaliation for previous Russian attacks on Ukraine‘s postal hubs.

Ukraine has increased the number of strikes on Russian-controlled territory in recent weeks

Russian warlords have since urged Vladimir Putin to retaliate

Kyiv continued its campaign against Russia‘s maritime supply routes, with 13 oil tankers and other supply vessels reportedly hit overnight.

As the attacks mounted, Vladimir Putin ally and Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov demanded direct retaliation against Nato countries.

He told Putin: “You just set the task, and we will take care of the rest.

“It would be beneficial to start with the countries that, hiding behind the Nato acronym, openly and brazenly provide weapons, data, and other support to the Ukrainian fascists.”

“It’s time to open fire, and it’s not that difficult,” he continued.

“All this satanic scum only understands the language of force.

“They cannot comprehend that Russia is currently conducting restrained military operations with minimal losses among the civilian population.

“But as soon as we unleash our military machine, as soon as our gears begin to grind their bones, all Western leaders will line up to express their deepest apologies.”

The dramatic escalation comes as Putin takes increasingly desperate steps to regain momentum in his faltering war effort.

The Kremlin leader is reportedly preparing to allow jailed mafia figures and other convicted criminals to enlist as Russia grapples with a deepening military recruitment crisis.

“Those convicted or accused of smuggling weapons and drugs, theft of nuclear materials, organising illegal migration, and participating in the activities of ‘undesirable’ organisations will also be able to sign contracts,” reported the Moscow Times.

There is also growing speculation that Putin could order a full mobilisation of military-age men in September, shortly after Russia’s parliamentary elections.