Key facts
- Ukraine conducted drone strikes on a Russian oil refinery and multiple Wildberries logistics hubs.
- The attacks resulted in significant fires and explosions, causing casualties and destroying goods.
- Wildberries is Russia's largest online retailer, with a substantial market share and a large network of sellers.
- Ukrainian officials claim the targeted facilities supplied the Russian military, a claim denied by Russia.
- The strikes have significantly impacted small businesses operating through the Wildberries platform.
Ukraine has intensified its aerial campaign against Russian territory, targeting not only energy infrastructure but also key logistics hubs for major Russian companies. In a series of coordinated drone attacks, Ukraine struck an oil refinery and multiple warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer.
The strikes, which began over the weekend, have resulted in significant damage, fires, and casualties. Initial attacks on Wildberries warehouses in Elektrostal and the Tambov region killed eight people and injured scores more, destroying an estimated $1 billion worth of goods. Further attacks early Wednesday on warehouses in the southern Krasnodar and Stavropol regions resulted in one death and 14 injuries.
These actions are part of Ukraine's strategy to undermine Russia's wartime economy and bring the conflict's consequences to Russian citizens. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that the targeted facilities were involved in supplying the Russian military, a claim vehemently denied by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who accused Ukraine of striking civilian targets. An examination of the Wildberries website revealed products that could be used for military purposes, some even marked with phrases related to the "special military operation."
Wildberries, founded in 2004 by Tatyana Kim, has grown into a dominant e-commerce platform in Russia, accounting for over half of all online orders. The company also operates Wildberries Bank, which has faced sanctions from the UK and EU. The attacks have dealt a significant blow to many small businesses that rely on the platform for sales and distribution across Russia's vast territory.
In response to the damage, Wildberries has offered support measures to its sellers, including discounts on storage fees and loans, and has begun payments to those affected by the Elektrostal site's damage. However, the company recently updated its seller policy, exempting itself from liability for stock damaged due to "force majeure" events like drone attacks.