Ukraine Attacks Russia with Hundreds of Drones, Wildberries Evacuates Staff Again

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The Ukrainian military launched a new wave of drone attacks against Russian targets, according to multiple reports, while the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries evacuated staff from a facility in Yekaterinburg amid escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. These developments mark a continuation of the high-intensity operations that have defined the war since its escalation in 2022.

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Ukrainian officials have confirmed that hundreds of drones were deployed in recent strikes against Russian infrastructure, though specific targets and casualty figures remain unverified. The attacks, described by the Ukrainian defense ministry as part of a “strategic offensive,” follow weeks of intensified cross-border bombardments. A senior military source quoted by BBC News stated, “The drone campaign is designed to disrupt Russian supply lines and communications, particularly in regions critical to Moscow’s war effort.”

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The Russian online retailer Wildberries, often compared to Amazon in the country, reported evacuating employees from its Yekaterinburg office on July 25, 2026, according to a statement published by TASS, a state-run Russian news agency. The company cited “unusual security conditions” as the reason for the move, though no further details were provided. This evacuation follows a pattern of corporate responses to the conflict, with businesses in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg frequently adjusting operations due to heightened risks.

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Analysts note that the timing of the attacks and evacuations aligns with broader military strategies. “Ukraine’s use of drones has become a defining feature of its counteroffensive,” said Dr. Elena Grigoryeva, a defense scholar at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. “These strikes are not just tactical but also psychological, aimed at undermining Russian morale and logistical capabilities.” However, such claims are not independently verified, as access to frontline reporting remains restricted.

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The conflict, now in its fifth year, has seen periodic escalations in aerial and cyber operations. In May 2026, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted Russian energy facilities with drone strikes, while Russian cyber units disrupted Ukrainian digital infrastructure. The latest developments underscore the war’s evolving nature, with both sides leveraging technology to gain advantages. NATO officials have expressed concern over the “increasingly complex” hybrid warfare tactics, though no direct military intervention has been announced.

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Wildberries’ evacuation in Yekaterinburg has drawn attention to the broader impact of the war on Russia’s private sector. The company, which employs thousands across the country, has faced scrutiny over its operations in regions affected by the conflict. In a separate statement, Wildberries CEO Tatyana Bakalchuk emphasized the firm’s commitment to “employee safety,” though critics argue the company’s ties to Russian state interests complicate its neutrality.

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International reactions to the latest attacks remain cautious. The European Union reiterated its support for Ukraine’s “right to self-defense” in a July 24 statement, while the United States called for de-escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a military parade in Moscow on July 25, condemned the drone strikes as “unprovoked aggression,” but did not announce immediate retaliatory measures.

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As the conflict enters its sixth year, the humanitarian and economic toll continues to mount. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported in June 2026 that over 10 million Ukrainians remain displaced, with infrastructure devastation affecting millions. Meanwhile, Russia’s economy faces sustained pressure from Western sanctions, though official data shows a 3.2% GDP growth in the first half of 2026, attributed to increased defense spending.

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The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for potential shifts in the battlefield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international allies to accelerate military aid, while Russian officials have warned of “unpredictable consequences” if external support for Kyiv continues. For now, the drone strikes and corporate evacuations highlight the relentless pace of the war, with no clear end in sight.