- Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Wildberries logistics sites since 18 July, claiming the company aids in supplying Moscow's military.
- Another warehouse was struck in Russia's Vladimir region on Monday, marking the third attack in two weeks, resulting in two injuries.
- Russia is considering support for affected sellers, which may include up to a year of loan-payment holidays and debt restructuring through VTB bank.
- Founded in 2004, Wildberries has become Russia's largest online marketplace, often compared to Amazon.
- Wildberries and its founder Tatiana Kim faced international sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Poland labeling it 'the largest taxpayer in the Russian Federation.'
- Wildberries is critical to Russia's wartime economy, providing a pressure point for Kyiv against Moscow.
- Ukraine's President Zelenskyy stated that the targeted warehouses were involved in supplying Russian forces with military components.
- Wildberries lists military equipment on its platform, including drone components and body armor.
- Thousands of small businesses risk closure without meaningful relief, as sellers stress the importance of tax breaks and loan holidays.
Russia is contemplating a support package for Wildberries sellers following significant losses from Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the e-commerce giant's warehouses.
The proposed aid could include up to a year of loan-payment holidays and debt restructuring, as the government recognizes Wildberries' critical role in the economy.
Since mid-July, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Wildberries, claiming the platform aids in supplying the Russian military with essential components.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the targeted warehouses were involved in providing military equipment, including drone components.8
Wildberries, often likened to Amazon, is vital to Russia's wartime economy, with an annual turnover of €70-75 billion, representing over 2% of Russia's GDP.
The company employs around 50,000 staff directly, with seasonal peaks pushing its logistics workforce above 100,000.
As the Russian government explores support options, sellers warn that without meaningful relief, thousands of small businesses could face closure, jeopardizing tax revenues.10
State-controlled lender VTB bank is expected to play a central role in organizing state backing, including loans and tax breaks.
Wildberries' founder, Tatiana Kim, has faced international sanctions, yet the company remains too significant to fail for the Russian economy.
“Ukraine's President Zelenskyy said the warehouses were involved in providing Russian forces with drone components, navigation equipment and other military items. Wildberries, which reports annual turnover of €70–75 billion, directly employs around 50,000 staff and is seen as too big for Russia to let fail.”
Euronews.com
