Drone Strikes Leave Putin's Russia Reeling as Ukraine Targets Key Infrastructure
Russia is facing a crisis of confidence after recent drone attacks by Ukraine on key infrastructure targets. The latest assault, which took place on Sunday, saw over 600 drones intercepted heading for Moscow, but an estimated 250,000 sq meter logistics center belonging to Wildberries, Russia's version of Amazon, was hit.
The attack has left many questioning President Putin's ability to protect his country from Ukraine's long-range campaign. With parliamentary elections just around the corner, Putin's approval ratings are still high, but this latest setback is seen as an embarrassment for the Kremlin.
Wildberries has been repeatedly targeted in recent months, with Ukrainian officials arguing that its warehouses pose a legitimate target due to the company's listing of military and dual-use products on its platform. The attacks have resulted in significant economic losses for the company, with estimates suggesting almost 30% of its warehouse space has been destroyed.
Mark Galeotti, a Russia expert and historian, noted that the attacks are part of a broader strategy to 'take the war to the Russian household', making it difficult for Russians to ignore the impact of the conflict on their daily lives. The use of British-made drones by Ukraine in deep-strike missions has also raised concerns about an escalation in the conflict.