(TAMBOV, RUSSIA) – Ukrainian forces have destroyed a major Wildberries distribution centre in the Tambov Oblast, dealing a further blow to the Russian economy and its beleaguered e-commerce sector. The facility, located in Kotovsk, was struck by a massive drone attack and burned through the night. Satellite imagery confirmed that 80 percent of the roof had collapsed, with the entire contents of the building destroyed. The centre represented a 7 billion rouble investment, equivalent to approximately $70 million (£55 million), and was intended to create 5,000 jobs. It had only been operational for 14 to 15 months.
This attack is part of a sustained campaign against Russian logistics. It is estimated that over 123,000 Russians have lost their jobs since strikes on Wildberries facilities began. Meanwhile, Russian e-commerce giant Ozon has also been targeted, with Ukrainian drones striking its facilities in Ufa, Bashkortostan, and Orenburg. The drones penetrated the roofs but did not ignite major fires. In response, Ozon has restricted what employees can bring to work, banning phones with cameras or internet access. The company is also raising shift bonuses from 1,200 roubles to 5,500 roubles as workers refuse to attend, fearing for their safety. Ozon’s share price has fallen 24 percent in five days and is down 53 percent over the last six months.
The VTB bank, which was attempting to broker a partnership with Wildberries, has seen its shares fall 41 percent in six months and hit a record low. The deal, which was supposed to be finalised by 1st September, has collapsed. Analysts note that Russian corporate leadership serves the interests of the Kremlin and the war effort rather than shareholders, making investment in such companies highly risky.
Ukraine has also successfully knocked the Kstovo refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast offline with a drone strike. This is the fourth largest refinery in Russia and has been targeted by Ukraine on seven separate occasions, including strikes on 2nd July, 24th June, 20th May, 18th May, 5th April, and November of last year. The attack has forced Russia’s second largest gasoline producer, Lukoil, to halt operations at all of its refineries. Analysis shows that in 2026, at least 28 of Russia’s 48 refineries have been struck 81 separate times. Russia’s refined oil output is projected to fall to around 3 million barrels per day, a loss of greater than 50 percent of refining capacity.
Consequently, Russian regional authorities are limiting fuel sales. In the Astrakhan region, sales of 92 and 95 octane gasoline are limited to 30 litres per person. In Orenburg, fuel is unavailable even at major federal chains. In the Tomsk region, only eight of 119 petrol stations had 92 octane gasoline available, and only four had 95 octane, down from 30 stations in July. A Russian motorist travelling from Rostov to Stavropol reported no fuel available anywhere along the 341 kilometre route.
The fuel crisis is also impacting maritime logistics. The world’s largest container shipping company has suspended bookings from Novorossiysk after drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea. Between 1st August and 21st August, Russian and Kazakh oil exports dropped by 26 percent, and from the port of Novorossiysk by 60 percent. Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces have stopped releasing video of ship strikes, though the attacks continue.
Grain exports have also collapsed after Ukrainian attacks on Russian ports halted 70 percent of the country’s grain export capacity. The NKHP grain export terminal said repairs would take four months. A Russian farmer reported the wheat duty has nearly tripled in two weeks, rising from 320 roubles to 1,121 roubles, while August exports fell to their lowest levels since 2010 at just 1.8 million tons.
A fire at the Amur gas chemical complex in Russia’s Far East has killed seven workers and injured more than 100. The facility, a $10 billion joint venture between Russian petrochemical giant Sber and China’s state owned Sinopec, was undergoing final testing ahead of its planned launch in early 2027.
Ukraine also launched Storm Shadow cruise missiles against the city of Donetsk. Dash cam footage captured at least three missiles flying towards their target. The building struck has not been officially identified, but open source intelligence suggests it may have housed high ranking military personnel or an FSB base.
A Russian lieutenant colonel was reportedly killed in a car explosion in St Petersburg. The officer, a pilot with the Russian aerospace forces, died when a bomb planted underneath his vehicle detonated. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility.
In a rare diplomatic move, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow, spending eight and a half hours in the city aboard a US C-17 military transport plane. It was the first visit by a CIA chief since 2021. While the specific details of his meetings remain classified, sources indicate he met with his FSB counterparts to warn the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that any attack on a NATO country this month would be a “mistake.”
Intelligence suggests the Kremlin may be planning a false flag attack on a European facility producing equipment for Ukraine, with the goal of provoking a NATO response that would justify a new wave of mobilisation. Russia is reportedly preparing to mobilise 600,000 more men after its Duma elections on 20th September.
There is also growing speculation among Russian officials that Putin could eventually opt to use tactical nuclear weapons as a last resort. However, analysts believe China and India would strongly oppose such a move. Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin stated, “If you want us not to escalate, then give us Ukraine and we won’t.”
In positive news for Ukraine, Lithuania has allocated €600,000 to bring home Ukrainian children. Italy is to supply next generation SAMP/T air defence systems, Astra 30 missiles, and a secret aid package.
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