Ukraine’s Deep Strikes Target Russian Air Defenses and E-Commerce Giants as Putin Prepares Asset Seizures

Key points

• Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) struck MiG-29 and Su-33 fighter jets, along with multiple radar systems, in Rostov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, and occupied Crimea.
• Ukrainian strikes hit Ozon logistics centers in Dagestan, Stavropol Krai, and Adygea, causing fires and disrupting supply chains for a major Russian retailer.
• President Putin signed a decree on August 24, 2026, authorizing the government to seize private 'critical infrastructure' facilities that fail to protect assets from drone strikes or restore them timely.
• The Russian Ministry of Finance proposed extending tax and insurance deadlines for Wildberries and other retailers until July 2027 to mitigate economic losses from Ukrainian strikes.
• Ukrainian forces also advanced in the Slovyansk and Hulyaipole directions, while Russian forces launched 143 drones and six guided missiles against Ukraine overnight on August 23-24.

Background

This development follows a period of intensified Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian energy and military infrastructure, as noted in earlier ISW assessments from August 2026. Previous reports highlighted Russia’s slow offensive progress and high casualty rates, while Ukraine focused on degrading Russian logistics and industrial capacity. The current strikes represent an escalation in targeting civilian economic assets, specifically e-commerce giants like Wildberries and Ozon, which have been central to the Russian economy.

How outlets are covering it

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) frames the strikes as a concerted suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) and a broader campaign against Russian economic assets, emphasizing the strategic intent behind targeting logistics hubs. Ukrainian Pravda and Ukrinform focus on the specific tactical successes, detailing the destruction of fighter jets, radars, and Ozon warehouses, with Ukrinform highlighting the impact on shadow fleet vessels. The Kyiv Independent provides context on the strategic importance of airfields like Primorsko-Akhtarsk for drone launches, linking the strikes to Ukraine’s deep-strike operations. ISW uniquely analyzes the political response, interpreting Putin’s decree as a move to nationalize private assets to generate state revenue, a perspective not detailed in the Ukrainian outlets.

Why it matters

The strikes signal a shift in Ukraine’s strategy toward degrading Russia’s economic resilience and air defense capabilities, potentially straining Moscow’s resources. Putin’s decree to seize private assets indicates a move toward state control of the economy to offset war costs, which could have long-term implications for Russian private enterprise and investor confidence. The damage to major e-commerce platforms like Ozon and Wildberries may disrupt consumer supply chains and exacerbate inflation in Russia.

What to watch

Watch for the implementation of Putin’s decree, which could lead to the nationalization of more private infrastructure. Monitor the impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russian e-commerce operations and whether Moscow retaliates with further strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Assess the effectiveness of Russian air defense reinforcements in border regions and the potential for further Ukrainian advances in the Slovyansk and Hulyaipole directions.