Ukraine's Drones Hit Major Russian Retail Hub Over 2,000 Km From Border

Ukraine carried out another long-range drone strike deep inside Russian territory, hitting a warehouse belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, in Yekaterinburg, more than 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, officials and the company said on Friday.

According to regional authorities, three drones struck the warehouse roof, triggering a fire. Governor Denis Pasler said emergency services responded quickly, while Kremlin representative Artyom Zhoga confirmed that nearly 800 people were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported.

Wildberries said most of the stored merchandise escaped damage despite the blaze. The company noted that several of its logistics centres have come under attack in recent weeks, with some facilities suffering extensive destruction.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is accelerating efforts to strengthen domestic weapons production. He announced progress on a joint European anti-ballistic missile programme involving 10 countries, saying Ukraine would build missiles and launchers while partner nations supply advanced radar systems and other critical components.

Zelenskyy also revealed that testing of Ukraine's indigenous ballistic missile programme had shown "strong potential," signalling plans to transform it into an operational weapon.

On the battlefield, eastern Ukraine remains under heavy pressure as Russian forces continue offensives in the Donetsk region. Authorities evacuated more than 800 civilians, including 91 children, from vulnerable areas around Kramatorsk during the previous day.

Both sides continued overnight aerial attacks. Russia claimed its air defences intercepted 203 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine said Russia launched 147 long-range drones. In the Sumy region, Russian strikes on a market and residential areas injured at least 12 people, underscoring the continuing humanitarian toll of the prolonged conflict.