War hits home for Putin as Ukraine launches devastating drone strike on warehouse of 'Russia's Amazon' in Moscow

Published: 08:27, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 08:56, 18 July 2026 Choking smoke shrouded Moscow region today as Ukrainian drones struck a huge logistics hub of Wildberries, the 'Russian Amazon'. Seven were killed and more than two dozen wounded in a second strike on the online marketplace's warehouse complex in Tambov region. A key oil hub depot in Noginsk also exploded in flames after an attack, leading to the evacuation of a nearby maternity hospital. This came as a desperate Vladimir Putin is poised to allow the recruitment of jailed mafia gangsters to fight in the war, as he seeks to deal with a growing military recruitment crisis. The strike at the vast Wildberries base in Elektrostal - 36 miles east of the Kremlin - sent noxious black smoke high into the sky in one of the biggest fires of the war. The blaze was visible more than 30 miles away with smog reported in parts of Moscow. There were reports Ukraine used jet drones in today's attacks. The two hits on Russia's largest online retailer are set to cause major disruption, and is part of Ukraine's campaign to make Vladimir Putin's citizens feel the consequences of the war he unleashed and refuses to stop. Analysts say it is also revenge for regular Russian strikes on postal hubs in Ukraine. Two dozen people were wounded from Ukrainian overnight strikes on Moscow region. But seven night shift workers were killed and at least 25 wounded in the Wildberries strike in Kotovsk, Tambov region, 270 miles southeast of Moscow. Choking smoke shrouded Moscow region today as Ukrainian drones struck a huge logistics hub of Wildberries, the 'Russian Amazon' Seven were killed and more than two dozen wounded in a second strike on the online marketplace's warehouse complex in Tambov region Noxious black smoke was sent high into the sky in one of the biggest fires of the war The Tambov regional governor Yevgeny Pervyshov called the strike a 'premeditated terrorist attack against civilians'. Pro-Ukrainian channel Exile+ declared: 'Probably the best night in a long time. 'Finally, counter-actions against logistical hubs controlled by the Russians have begun. 'There are far more of these hubs in Russian-controlled territory than there are in ours. They all need to be destroyed.' Ukraine continued its war on Russian oil tankers and other supply ships, with 13 hit overnight, mostly in the Black Sea. Close Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov, warlord leader of Chechnya, called for direct revenge strikes on NATO states. He told Putin: 'You just set the task, and we will take care of the rest. 'It would be beneficial to start with the countries that, hiding behind the NATO acronym, openly and brazenly provide weapons, data, and other support to the Ukrainian fascists.' Western states supplying Ukraine should 'smell the scent of TNT' and 'as soon as they hear the roar of the Kalashnikov and the clatter of the T-90, they will immediately understand' and halt their aid. 'It's time to open fire, and it's not that difficult,' said Kadyrov. 'All this satanic scum only understands the language of force. 'They cannot comprehend that Russia is currently conducting restrained military operations with minimal losses among the civilian population. 'But as soon as we unleash our military machine, as soon as our gears begin to grind their bones, all Western leaders will line up to express their deepest apologies.' Meanwhile, members of gangs and organised crime groups will be allowed to enter into contracts with the Ministry of Defence so that they can be sent to the war. The move will see members of mafia and armed gangs fight for the first time. 'Those convicted or accused of smuggling weapons and drugs, theft of nuclear materials, organising illegal migration, and participating in the activities of 'undesirable' organisations will also be able to sign contracts,' reported the Moscow Times. The move is enabled during periods of mobilisation, martial law, or wartime. It highlights the desperation of Putin who is now losing an estimated 7,000 troops a week, through being killed or maimed. There is strong speculation he will order a full mobilisation of military age men in September soon after parliamentary elections have taken place. Russia meanwhile claimed almost 400 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight.