Wildberries CEO Tatiana Kim described Ukrainian drone attacks on the company's warehouses as 'terrorist attacks,' stating the company is not obligated to compensate sellers for losses due to 'force majeure.' She asserted that the Russian e-commerce giant is taking security measures and successfully repelling most attacks.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is increasingly impacting civilian infrastructure and businesses, with implications for supply chains, international trade, and the Russian economy. The CEO's response highlights the challenges faced by Russian companies operating amidst the conflict and the differing narratives surrounding the targets and motives of attacks.
Tatiana Kim, founder and CEO of Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries, delivered a video address on July 31, responding to a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on the company's warehouses throughout July. Kim described the strikes as 'terrorist attacks' and asserted that Wildberries is not legally obligated to compensate sellers for losses, classifying the incidents as 'force majeure.'
Speaking via her Telegram channel, Kim stated that the company is implementing security measures, including upgrading air defense systems and fire safety protocols, and claimed that Wildberries is successfully repelling most attacks. She noted that damage results from the intensity of Ukrainian firepower, citing one attack on a Yekaterinburg center involving 'more than 200' drones.
Ukraine has stated its campaign against Wildberries is intended to disrupt Russian military logistics, pointing to the availability of dual-use items on the platform that can be used in the conflict. Kim dismissed these claims, arguing that Wildberries is not a military operation and that its product offerings are comparable to global marketplaces like Amazon and Alibaba. Following the drone attacks, Wildberries has begun hiding certain goods from search results that refer to the war in Ukraine.
Kim urged the Russian business community to remain calm and assured them of the company's commitment to supporting affected businesses, suggesting that the Russian government would provide assistance. Market estimates indicate that Wildberries accounts for nearly 50% of Russia's online retail market, and Kim is currently considered the wealthiest woman in Russia.