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Financial Times
Russia’s biggest online retailer becomes target in Ukraine drone war
Wildberries, the largest online retailer in Russia, has sustained severe damage from a series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting its warehouses. These attacks not only resulted in significant inventory losses but also jeopardize the livelihoods of numerous small businesses relying on the platform. As the conflict escalates, it highlights vulnerabilities in the Russian economy, particularly in e-commerce, which now faces a pressing threat amid ongoing military actions.
MonitorConfidence: HighImmediate horizonReputational risk: High
Published 24 Jul 2026, 04:40 UTC4 min read
Visit original article ↗Lead image — Financial Times
Summary
TL;DR
- Ukrainian drone strikes hit four Wildberries warehouses
- An estimated Rbs150bn to Rbs235bn worth of inventory destroyed
- Thousands of sellers face financial devastation
- Wildberries has sought to absolve itself of compensation responsibilities
- Company's logistics network reportedly used for military supply
- Economic ramifications may include unpaid taxes and defaulted loans
Interesting facts
- Rebuilding damaged warehouses may cost Wildberries approximately Rbs36bn ($460mn)
- Wildberries controls nearly half of Russia’s e-commerce market