(TULA, RUSSIA) – Ukrainian forces have struck the 16th Wildberries distribution centre in less than three weeks, setting ablaze the company’s eighth-largest facility in the Tula region and pushing the estimated number of Russian employees who have lost their jobs to approximately 96,000.
The attack on the Tula distribution centre occurred during the early morning hours, with the resulting fire burning throughout the day. Video footage showed flames consuming the facility, with no visible firefighting or emergency response efforts being deployed to contain the blaze.
The Tula strike represents the latest in a systematic campaign against Wildberries logistics infrastructure. Satellite imagery has confirmed complete destruction of multiple facilities designated in red on tracking maps, with additional centres shown in yellow sustaining damage. Six remaining distribution centres have yet to be targeted.
The operator has reportedly prohibited vendors from removing merchandise from warehouses throughout the campaign, preventing sellers from safeguarding inventory even as facilities came under repeated attack.
In separate operations, Ukrainian drones struck two oil refineries. The Ufa refinery complex, located approximately 1,300 kilometres from Ukrainian territory, sustained damage in what represents the seventh attack on the facility this year. The Yaroslav refinery, designated as Russia’s fifth-largest refining facility, was also hit, marking the seventh strike since March.
Satellite imagery from the Sarat oil refinery, struck on August 2, confirmed at least three direct hits on pipe racks near the ABT6 processing unit, which has an annual capacity of six million tonnes.
The Russian government has extended authorisation for the sale of Euro2 standard fuel for an additional year, allowing refineries to produce lower-quality gasoline with reduced processing costs. Russia had originally banned Euro2 fuel in 2013 due to high pollutant levels, transitioning to cleaner Euro5 standards in 2016. Euro2 gasoline permits up to 50 times more sulphur than Euro5, with high sulphur concentrations degrading engine components and exhaust systems. Environmental experts warn that burning lower-grade fuel increases smog and acid rain, exacerbating respiratory health conditions.
Crimea’s fuel supply chain has been severely disrupted, with ferry operations between mainland Russia and the peninsula now relying on tugboats to move damaged vessels across the strait. Ukraine previously struck all five ferries operating on the route in July. Two vessels have been repurposed as barges, being pushed and pulled across the waterway.
Magyar’s Birds, a Ukrainian military unit, has conducted operations targeting energy infrastructure in occupied territories, destroying 201 energy targets since July 1. Power substations across Crimea and occupied regions have been systematically knocked out.
The logistics lockdown campaign continues, with more than 20 Russian long-haul vehicles being destroyed daily. Since August 1, 167 vehicles have been confirmed destroyed. Pontoon bridges and temporary crossings used by Russian forces have become kill zones, with Ukrainian forces striking vehicles as they slow to navigate damaged infrastructure.
A Russian general has been confirmed killed following an explosion at a Moscow restaurant birthday celebration. Russian Lieutenant General Igor Felixovich, the lead officer for strategic and logistical planning of troop movements, died in the blast at the 55th birthday party for General Alexander Chaiko, commander of Russia’s aerospace forces. The event reportedly cost 112,000 US dollars (£88,000, €102,000). General Chaiko was apparently the intended target but survived.
Russia’s only domestic television manufacturer, Herbis, has declared bankruptcy.
A fire broke out at the main Roscosmos research centre near Moscow, with no indication of Ukrainian involvement.
Russian forces launched a missile barrage on Kyiv overnight, resulting in 17 fatalities and 44 injuries. Ukraine was unable to intercept any ballistic missiles due to a complete depletion of Patriot interceptor stocks. The attack targeted warehouse facilities belonging to civilian businesses, infrastructure, and a railway station. A brewing company, construction materials warehouses, and civilian logistics facilities were struck.
Eight civilians were killed at a train station platform near Kyiv when a ballistic missile struck the area.
Air defence missile deliveries to Ukraine have dropped by two-thirds. President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly questioned whether the United States is deliberately withholding Patriot interceptors to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions. The Trump administration has denied such motives.
The United States has reportedly depleted its stocks of ATACMS and precision strike missiles following operations against Iran. Iran now controls the Strait of Hormuz, with US military capacity at its lowest point since World War II. The price of oil has fluctuated between US$71 and US$118 per barrel, currently trading at US$80 (GBP£63, €73).
A North Korean missile unit has deployed to western Russia, potentially adding 120 ballistic missiles to the arsenal used against Ukrainian cities.
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