Ukrainian drone strikes target Wildberries warehouses across Russia

Ukrainian forces have used long-range drones to attack about 20 Wildberries distribution centers in Russia since mid-July, striking sites from the Moscow region to the Urals. The warehouses, which store goods for hundreds of thousands of sellers, are not fortified against such attacks and have suffered fires that took days to extinguish.

Analysts estimate that up to 20% of Wildberries' warehouse capacity may have been destroyed, with potential losses reaching several billion dollars. The company, founded by entrepreneur Tatyana Kim, has sought to reinforce its facilities and adjust its logistics by creating smaller "partner hubs," but the disruptions continue.

Ukraine's adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, said the strikes aim to hinder the flow of military-grade items sold on the platform and to create economic pressure on Russian banks that have extended large loans to Wildberries.

Wildberries, which accounts for roughly half of online orders in Russia, has announced measures to support affected sellers, including discounted storage, loan relief and limited reimbursements. The Central Bank of Russia has asked lenders to restructure loans for small and medium enterprises impacted by the attacks.

Experts note that the targeting of commercial logistics marks a shift in Ukraine's strategy, extending the conflict's impact beyond traditional military infrastructure and into the daily lives of Russian consumers and small business owners.