Ukrainian drone strikes hit multiple Wildberries warehouses, killing nine and injuring dozens
Ukrainian attacks on Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, have damaged at least 16 logistics sites, caused nine deaths, and disrupted small businesses that rely on the platform.
Ukrainian drones have struck a series of Wildberries warehouses across Russia and the occupied Crimea since July 18, killing nine people and wounding more than 60. The first attacks hit facilities in Elektrostal, near Moscow, and the Tambov region, followed by strikes in the Krasnodar, Stavropol, St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Penza, Volgograd and other areas.
Wildberries, founded in 2004 by Tatyana Kim, accounts for roughly half of all online orders in Russia and hosts up to 800,000 sellers. The company said it is offering emergency support to affected merchants, including discounts on storage fees, free transfers of inventory and rapid reimbursement payments. "First and foremost, we want to support the smallest and most vulnerable entrepreneurs — there are more than 88,000 of them. The funds will appear on sellers' balances within 24 hours," Kim said.
Ukrainian officials claim the targeted facilities supplied equipment to the Russian military, a charge the Kremlin denies. Dmitry Peskov said the strikes were aimed at civilian targets. An analysis of Wildberries' website found listings for items such as body armor and radios that could be used for military purposes.
The attacks have reportedly damaged inventory worth billions of dollars, according to market analyst Sergei Semko, who estimates losses could reach $3 billion. Small Russian businesses that sell through Wildberries have reported destroyed stock and uncertain compensation, despite the company's recent policy exempting it from liability for damage caused by "force majeure" events, including drone attacks.
Industry observers note that while the hits may not significantly affect the overall e-commerce sector, which is valued at $80-90 billion, they are intended to erode public morale and draw greater attention to the war within Russia. "It brings it home," said Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd., describing the broader impact of the strikes on public discourse.