Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow vows ‘massive strikes’ in retaliation to huge fires at ‘Amazon-style’ warehouses

A US think tank reported that Russian troop casualties exceeded 40,000 during July and August, marking the highest monthly loss count released for the conflict. Ukrainian outlets added that the war casualty toll rose by 1,320 one day and 1,390 the next, figures echoed by Ukrainian Pravda. The deadliest attack of the year on Ukrainian energy facilities triggered massive fires at large logistics centres described as Amazon‑style warehouses, according to CNBC. Within hours, a missile strike on the Russian city of Belgorod killed two civilians, a detail reported by The Independent.

The Guardian linked the planned Russian response to those fires, noting that Moscow is framing its retaliation as a direct reaction to the infrastructure damage. Russia’s Defence Ministry announced preparation for large‑scale strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, a statement echoed by Ukrainian Pravda. Both CNBC and The Guardian reported that Moscow vows ‘massive strikes’ in retaliation for the warehouse fires and the recent attack on Belgorod. The Independent highlighted that the announced strikes could focus on power plants, aligning with the ministry’s claim of hitting critical energy sites.

The war has now entered its 1,652nd day, a milestone noted by Defense Express. Daily casualty updates continue to show increases of 1,320 to 1,390 Russian soldiers, as reported by Ukrinform and Ukrainian Pravda. Coverage across Reuters, BBC and other outlets has not detailed the scale of the forthcoming strikes, leaving the immediate impact on Ukraine’s power grid uncertain.