Ukraine attacks Wildberries, Russia's biggest online market
Since mid-July, Ukraine has been targeting warehouses of Russia's largest online retailer Wildberries almost every day. Ukraine says it's disrupting front-line shipments. But experts say it's disrupting Russia's economy.
On August 15, a Ukrainian drone attack on Wildberries, Russia's largest online marketplace, triggered significant economic repercussions. The assault targeted three warehouses in Podolsk, Tver, and Salavat, leading to 20 Wildberries logistics hubs being struck in recent weeks. The Moscow-based e-commerce consultancy Data Insight predicts Wildberries has forfeited up to 480 billion rubles worth of inventory ($5.7 billion/€4.9 billion) and nearly a third of its warehouse space. Combined damages to the company and its sellers could exceed 800 billion rubles ($9.5 billion).
Ukraine claims the retailer aids Russia's military, while Russia contends it caters solely to civilian purposes. The attacks aim to disrupt Russia's economy, described by Fabrice Pothier, CEO of Rasmussen Global, as a "choke point of Russian society and the Russian economy." Wildberries, often likened to Amazon in Russia, saw its revenue surge sevenfold from 2021 to 2025.
It currently controls roughly half of the Russian e-commerce market, with Ozon holding 30% of it. Together, they contribute to about 8.5% of Russia's GDP.
The attacks have significantly affected around 400,000 sellers, causing severe economic strain. Russian authorities have reported extensive military and dual-use goods on the platform, potentially affecting state-owned creditors like Sverbank and VTB. Wildberries has incurred substantial debt, estimated at $14 billion, with VTB as the primary lender. CEO Tatyana Kim has turned to the government for assistance, with VTB expected to play a crucial role in rescue efforts.
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