Ukraine Attacks Wildberries, Russia's Biggest Online Market

On Sunday morning, Ukrainian drones struck a warehouse belonging to Russia's biggest online marketplace, Wildberries, in Podolsk, a town south of Moscow. The attack, part of a series of assaults on Wildberries logistics hubs, resulted in multiple confirmed casualties and injuries, while also damaging or halting operations at several stores.

Since mid-July, at least 20 Wildberries warehouses have been targeted in a coordinated campaign. Estimates suggest the company has lost up to $5.7 billion and sustained damage to a third of its warehouse space, with combined losses to the company and its sellers topping $9.5 billion.

Ukrainian officials argue that the attacks target logistics hubs supplying the Russian military with navigation systems, drone components, and other equipment. However, Moscow denies this claim, maintaining that Wildberries primarily serves civilian purposes. Despite the differing perspectives, the attacks have disrupted Wildberries' operations and negatively impacted civilian life in Russia.

Wildberries, often considered Russia's Amazon, has seen significant growth since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Its revenue increased sevenfold from 2021 to 2025, and it now handles goods and services equivalent to 8.5% of Russia's GDP. The company's 1 million sellers and 80 million monthly users provide a vital source of income and access to goods for many Russians.

The Kremlin has rejected Ukraine's claims about the warehouses' role in military supply chains. However, an analysis by the independent outlet Verska identified tens of thousands of military and dual-use goods for sale on the platform. Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of Zelenskyy's office, said disrupting Wildberries could affect creditors and potentially trigger a domino effect on the economy.

Targeting Wildberries not only aims to hinder Russia's military efforts but also seeks to disrupt civilian life and send a message to Russian elites involved with the company.