Wildberries and Other Russian Marketplaces Seek Hundreds of Billions of Rubles in State Aid

Russia's leading online marketplaces are requesting hundreds of billions of rubles in state aid following drone attacks that damaged warehouses and disrupted business operations, reports UATV English. The Association of Digital Platforms, which includes Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex, Avito, and Kuper, submitted a letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on August 12 outlining their proposed support measures.

The group is seeking direct federal budget payments to affected businesses to help restore operations, preserve jobs, and protect the economy. Compensation would be based on the actual damage sustained and the size of each impacted company. The association is also requesting tax deferrals or installment plans for up to six months and a temporary suspension of penalties and fines for businesses unable to operate due to the damage.

Estimates vary, but losses are substantial. Wildberries suffered damage equivalent to about one-third of its warehouse capacity, with losses between 147 billion and 223 billion rubles. Adding in costs for site restoration, the total could reach 278 billion rubles. The demands underscore the increasing economic toll of Russia's war as Ukrainian drones increasingly target facilities deep inside the country, including vital logistics hubs and warehouses.