UN warns attacks on Russian e-commerce warehouses could constitute war crimes

Yesterday 17:15

By: Azzat Manal

UN warns attacks on Russian e-commerce warehouses could constitute war crimes

The United Nations has raised concerns over recent Ukrainian drone strikes on warehouses operated by Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries, warning that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure could potentially constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law.

UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said during a press briefing in Geneva that deliberate attacks targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law. He stressed the need for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported strikes and determine whether violations of international humanitarian law occurred.

The attacks reportedly targeted Wildberries facilities in Russia's Tambov and Moscow regions. A drone strike on a warehouse in Kotovsk, in Tambov region, reportedly killed seven night-shift workers and injured 25 others.

Another incident involving a warehouse in Elektrostal, in the Moscow region, left 24 people injured, with one later dying in hospital. Russian authorities reported that the overall number of people injured in the attacks in the Moscow region reached 61.

The incidents have drawn attention because the facilities belong to Wildberries, one of Russia's largest online retail platforms. The company has become a major part of the country's e-commerce infrastructure, handling a significant share of online orders and operating an extensive network of logistics centres.

Wildberries has expanded its distribution operations rapidly in recent years, investing heavily in warehouses and delivery infrastructure across Russia. Its logistics network also plays an important role in supporting small and medium-sized businesses that use online marketplaces to reach consumers across the country.

The reported strikes come amid continued military escalation between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides increasingly using drones to target locations far from the immediate front lines. The growing use of long-range unmanned aircraft has expanded the geographic scope of the conflict and increased concerns about the protection of civilian populations and infrastructure.

Under international humanitarian law, the legality of an attack depends on factors including the nature of the target, the distinction between military and civilian objects, proportionality and the precautions taken to minimize harm to civilians. Determining whether a specific incident amounts to a war crime requires a detailed and independent investigation.

The United Nations' call for further scrutiny underscores the importance of establishing the facts surrounding the attacks. As the conflict continues, international organizations have repeatedly urged all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to protect civilians from the consequences of armed hostilities.