Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Wildberries Warehouses Cripple Russian Small Businesses

Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Wildberries, Russia’s largest e-commerce retailer, have destroyed warehouses and disrupted logistics nationwide since July 18, sending shockwaves through small businesses that depend on the platform.

Widespread Damage Across the Network

Strikes on around 20 Wildberries sites have triggered major fires and destroyed stock, with satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters showing over 1.18 million square meters of storage space damaged, more than a fifth of the company’s total capacity. At least 13 people have died in the attacks. Ukraine says the strikes aim to raise the war’s cost for ordinary Russians, alleging Wildberries supports the military, a claim the company and Kremlin deny.

Small Businesses Bear the Brunt

Franchise operators like Moscow’s Vasily Klimov have seen sales drop roughly 50%, with deliveries falling from 400 parcels daily to around 150. Klimov is now trying to sell his pick-up point, joining over 3,100 similar listings on Avito. Wildberries handles goods equivalent to 8.5% of Russia’s economy, and Sberbank warned it may raise loan-loss provisions as around 300 vendor companies seek loan restructuring.

Economic Ripple Effects

Central bank governor Elvira Nabiullina is monitoring inflation risks, while economists warn the disruptions could force policymakers to slow interest rate cuts from 14%. The Kremlin has discussed potential state support, including loans and tax breaks, as businesses brace for what one source called a coming wave of bankruptcies.