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Russian E-Commerce Brands Seek Kremlin Aid as Losses Approach 1 Trillion Rubles

Russian e-commerce brands have requested financial support from the federal government following losses to warehouse and logistics infrastructure caused by Ukrainian drone strikes. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the Association of Digital Platforms (ACP), which includes companies such as Ozon, Yandex, Avito, Kuper and Wildberries, called for non-repayable federal assistance for affected sellers. The association requested that the amount of support be determined based on actual losses and the scale of companies’ operations.

Russian E-Commerce Brands Also Request Tax Deferrals

In addition to direct financial assistance, the ACP requested that businesses affected by the strikes be granted at least a six-month deferral or installment plan for taxes and mandatory payments. The cancellation of penalties and late-payment charges incurred during the period in which normal operations were disrupted was also among the demands. The total amount of public support requested could reportedly reach hundreds of billions of rubles.

Wildberries and Sellers’ Losses Could Approach $12 Billion

According to Data Insight estimates, Wildberries’ direct losses related to its warehouse infrastructure stand at between 147 billion and 223 billion rubles. When the costs of demolition, debris removal and restoring the sites for future use are included, the figure could rise to 278 billion rubles. The value of goods lost by sellers in the warehouses was estimated at between 445 billion and 507 billion rubles. According to estimates by the Association of Product Suppliers to Electronic Marketplaces, seller losses could reach 600–700 billion rubles, while the total damage could approach 1 trillion rubles, or approximately $12 billion.

ACP President Margarita Evstigneeva said some sellers had lost up to 95 percent of their total inventory. Evstigneeva stated that Wildberries had paid small sellers an average of between 2,000 and 30,000 rubles, adding that these payments did not cover even 20 percent of their losses.

Payment and Cash Flow Problems in E-Commerce Operations

Following the strikes, Wildberries reportedly experienced a decline in revenue, while signs of a cash flow shortfall emerged. Sellers reported widespread delays in payments for goods sold, while the company’s subsidiary WB Bank reportedly began raising funds from retail customers through short-term deposits offering annual interest rates of more than 14 percent.

For Russian e-commerce brands, the loss of physical warehouse capacity is also affecting fulfillment, inventory management and retail delivery processes. Although AI-powered inventory planning and automation systems are becoming increasingly widespread in modern e-commerce, it was reported that all of Wildberries’ major warehouses had been taken out of operation and that approximately one-third of its total storage capacity had been lost.

Kremlin-Linked Source Warns of a “Wave of Bankruptcies”

It remains uncertain whether the support requested for Russian e-commerce brands will be provided. A source close to the Kremlin described the developments at Wildberries as a “serious blow” to the economy and said there were not enough funds available to cover sellers’ losses. The source said, “There will be a wave of bankruptcies. No one has that much money to support the sellers.” (Russian e-commerce brands)

Drone Attacks on Wildberries Warehouses Continue: Sellers’ Losses Could Reach $3.5 Billion

Drone Attacks on Wildberries Warehouses Continue: Sellers’ Losses Could Reach $3.5 Billion

Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest online marketplaces, has come into the spotlight following new attacks in which unmanned aerial vehicles reportedly belonging to Ukraine targeted its logistics centers. Employees were evacuated after a fire broke out at the warehouse in the Vladimir region, while the company redirected product acceptance, order preparation, and delivery operations to alternative facilities. In its initial statement, the company reported that there were no fatalities. Regional Governor Aleksandr Avdeyev stated that a young man suffered a minor head injury and a nearby woman sustained a minor leg injury, while Lao Dong reported that three people were injured in the attack.

Attacks on Wildberries Warehouses Spread to Different Regions

Since mid-July, approximately 20 facilities belonging to the company have been targeted in different regions of Russia and in annexed Crimea. The chain of attacks began on July 18 with the facilities in Elektrostal in the Moscow region and Kotovsk in the Tambov region. Subsequent attacks extended to centers around Saint Petersburg and in Simferopol, Krasnodar, Volgograd, and Samara. It was reported that eight people were killed and approximately 90 people were injured in the initial attacks. Despite the fires and evacuations at Wildberries facilities, operations were restarted at some centers.

Fire at the Samara Warehouse, Five Deaths in Different Regions

The Wildberries attacks continued on the night of August 2. The warehouse in the Samara region was hit by a drone attack. A fire broke out at the facility, located approximately 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, while no fatalities were reported in the incident. On the same night, attacks carried out in other regions of Russia killed two people in Saratov and three people in Udmurtia. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that air defense systems shot down 635 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukraine, meanwhile, stated that Russia attacked with 133 drones and that 24 of them reached their targets.

Wildberries Sellers’ Losses Could Rise to $3.5 Billion

According to estimates based on Data Insight data, the total losses of sellers on the platform could be between 215 billion rubles and 280 rubles, or approximately $2.7 billion to $3.5 billion. The damaged warehouse area is estimated to be between 893,000 and 1.15 million square meters. This size corresponds to 17.2 percent to 22.2 percent of the 5.2 million square meters of logistics infrastructure publicly disclosed by the parent company RWB. It is stated that the cost of rebuilding Wildberries’ infrastructure could reach 62.5 billion to 80.8 billion rubles, or $1 billion.

Compensation Payments Began with Small-Scale Sellers

The loss estimate was calculated based on the approximately 35 billion rubles in compensation paid to sellers following the fire at the 112,000-square-meter warehouse in Shushary in 2024. Wildberries announced that, as of July 28, it had paid more than 40 million rubles to affected sellers. It was reported that the initial payments were made to 88,000 sellers with the lowest turnover, while the second round was directed at 97,000 entrepreneurs. Some sellers said that the payments covered only a small portion of their losses and that the calculation method had not been clearly disclosed. The compensation plan for medium- and large-scale sellers has not yet been explained to the public in detail.

Deliveries Continue Through Alternative Logistics Centers

Some facilities in Kotovsk, Yekaterinburg, and Sarapul have reportedly resumed operations. Wildberries stated that it continues its e-commerce and retail operations by redirecting product acceptance and customer orders from the centers affected by the attacks to other warehouses. The Russian government also asked the relevant ministries, the central bank, and business representatives to prepare support measures for affected entrepreneurs by August 10.

New Drone Attack on Wildberries: Facilities in Penza and Udmurtia Targeted

New Drone Attack on Wildberries: Facilities in Penza and Udmurtia Targeted

New drone attacks have been added to those targeting Wildberries, Russia’s largest e-commerce platform. On the night of July 30, approximately 200 employees were evacuated and one person was injured due to a fire that broke out at the logistics center in the Penza region. The company announced that another facility in the city of Sarapul, in the Udmurt Republic, also caught fire following an attack and that employees were safely evacuated.

Attacks on Wildberries Facilities Continue

The latest attacks came after a Wildberries warehouse in the Ryazan region was targeted on July 29. While the facility in Ryazan was evacuated as part of security procedures, six people were reportedly hospitalized. Ukraine’s attacks on the company’s warehouses have continued in different regions of Russia since July 18.

Kyiv claims that Wildberries’ logistics network is being used to supply equipment to Russian forces. The Ukrainian side states that the operations aim to restrict the shipment of products and dual-use equipment that could be used for military purposes. The company, meanwhile, is suspending operations at the affected facilities and redirecting shipments to other logistics centers.

10 Percent of Wildberries’ Storage Capacity Affected

According to information provided by regional sources, at least seven Wildberries warehouses were damaged, and approximately 10 percent of the company’s total storage capacity was put out of operation. While the operations of tens of thousands of small businesses were affected, the company stated that it would need at least 30 days to assess the damage and begin payments to sellers. It was also announced that discounts would be applied to storage fees in order to support sellers.

The Russian government is considering loan, tax reduction, or subsidy options for Wildberries and sellers on the platform. While it was stated that state-controlled VTB could play a central role in possible financial support, the Kremlin announced that discussions were continuing but that no final decision had yet been made. Denys Shtilerman, co-founder of the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, claimed that the partnership between Wildberries and VTB was one of the reasons behind the attacks.

Low-Interest Loans Under Consideration for 1,500 Sellers

It was announced that approximately 1,500 sellers were affected by the fires at Wildberries warehouses struck in the Leningrad region on July 24. Leningrad Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said that the company was trying to provide support to affected businesses and that the regional administration could also offer low-interest loans to local manufacturers in need of capital.

Wildberries reported that it had paid a total of 40 million rubles to the families of those who lost their lives in the attacks and to those who were injured. The platform, which uses AI-powered product summaries, virtual try-on tools, and automated product content, is working to create alternative capacity within its physical distribution network.

Eight Wildberries Warehouses Hit in Four Drone Attacks Within One Week

Eight Wildberries Warehouses Hit in Four Drone Attacks Within One Week

Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest online marketplaces, faced four separate drone attacks targeting its logistics facilities in different regions of the country between July 18 and 24, 2026. A total of eight warehouses were reportedly hit within one week, affecting more than 10 percent of the company’s storage capacity and the inventories of thousands of sellers connected to the platform.

Timeline of the Wildberries Attacks

The first attacks took place on July 18 at facilities in Elektrostal and Kotovsk. Eight employees were killed in these attacks. The Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk facilities were targeted on July 22, while the Voronezh center was attacked on July 23. On the night of July 24, three more Wildberries warehouses were hit in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad region, and Russian-controlled Simferopol. Two large columns of smoke were seen around St. Petersburg, while three people were reported injured in the fire in Novosaratovka.

The company temporarily suspended operations at its Shushary and Utkin Zavod centers. It was reported that the Simferopol facility is one of Crimea’s key distribution hubs, while a fire was also reported near a Wildberries facility in Tver. During the attacks, approximately 50 flights were delayed at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg.

Inventory Losses Affected Small Businesses

In the attacks, Viktoria Terekhova, founder of the children’s clothing brand Fareal Kids, lost 12,000 products in Elektrostal and 4,000 products in warehouses in the south. The damaged products accounted for approximately 45 percent of the company’s inventory. Oleg Kondratyev, co-founder of a women’s tracksuit brand, said that products worth around 5 million rubles were destroyed and that he was considering taking legal action to seek compensation.

Support Payments Begin for More Than 88,000 Sellers

Despite a contractual clause that classifies drone attacks as force majeure, Wildberries reportedly began making support payments to more than 88,000 sellers. The company is also working to transfer products to other warehouses and provide loan deferrals and logistics support. The Association of Participants in the Russian E-Commerce Market requested that taxes for affected businesses be deferred for six months. Under normal conditions, the platform processes more than 20 million orders per day.

Ukraine argues that the warehouses were involved in the shipment of dual-use products such as drone components and navigation equipment. The Kremlin and Wildberries management, however, state that the facilities serve civilian commerce. At least 21 people were reported killed across Russia and Ukraine on July 24, when reciprocal air attacks intensified.

New Drone Attack on Wildberries: Two Distribution Centers Targeted

New Drone Attack on Wildberries: Two Distribution Centers Targeted

Two logistics centers belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest e-commerce platform, were targeted in drone attacks carried out by Ukraine. Major fires broke out at the facilities located in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions in southern Russia, while at least 15 people were injured in the attacks, according to local authorities.

Fire Breaks Out at Wildberries Logistics Centers

The logistics centers belonging to Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest e-commerce platforms, in the cities of Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk were targeted in drone attacks on the night of July 22. Fires broke out at both facilities following the attacks, while employees were reportedly evacuated and many people were injured.

Tatyana Kim: Employees Began to Be Evacuated Before the Attack

Wildberries Co-Founder and CEO Tatyana Kim announced that the warehouse in Krasnodar and the logistics center in Nevinnomyssk in the Stavropol region were struck during the night.

Kim stated that employees had begun to be evacuated before the attack, but that there were still injuries. Images showing thick black smoke rising from the warehouse in Krasnodar were shared on social media, while the location and content of the footage were verified by independent sources.

Krasnodar Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported that 10 people were injured in the attack on a warehouse complex. More than 100 firefighters and a firefighting helicopter were dispatched to the area to extinguish the blaze. A large-scale fire also broke out at the facility following the attack in Nevinnomyssk.

Tatyana Kim Issues Statement on the Attack

In a statement shared on Telegram, Tatyana Kim said there were no words to describe the emotions and sorrow caused by attacks targeting employees and people simply doing their jobs.

The total damage caused to the warehouses and the impact on Wildberries’ order operations have not yet been disclosed. AUREK, which represents the e-commerce sector, called for tax payments to be postponed for six months for businesses affected by the attacks.

Ukraine Claims Military Supplies Were Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that the targeted facilities were logistics centers supplying drone components and other equipment to the Russian military. The Kremlin denied allegations that Wildberries played a role in supplying military equipment.

The latest attacks on Wildberries warehouses took place several days after the company’s centers in Kotovsk and Elektrostal were struck. Eight employees were killed and many others were injured in the previous attacks. Founded in 2004 as an online fashion store, Wildberries has since developed into a comprehensive marketplace where third-party sellers also operate. Online sales in Russia increased by 28 percent in 2025, reaching 11.5 trillion rubles.

Russia’s E-Commerce Warehouses Became Targets of War: 8 Dead, 60 Injured

Russia’s E-Commerce Warehouses Became Targets of War: 8 Dead, 60 Injured

Two major e-commerce warehouses belonging to Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest online retailers, were targeted in drone attacks carried out by Ukraine. Eight people were killed and more than 60 were injured in fires that broke out at logistics centers in the Moscow and Tambov regions.

E-Commerce Warehouses Struck in Two Different Regions

One of the attacks on the e-commerce warehouses took place in the city of Kotovsk in the Tambov region, approximately 360 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The other attack targeted a Wildberries logistics center in the city of Elektrostal, located around 50 kilometers east of Moscow. Major fires broke out at both facilities, while footage released from Elektrostal showed thick smoke covering the sky.

Tambov Regional Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov announced that seven people working the night shift at the warehouse in Kotovsk died at the scene, while 25 others were injured. Pervyshov stated that 28 drones approaching the facility were shot down by air defense systems.

According to Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov, dozens of people were injured in the attacks in and around Elektrostal. One of the injured later died in hospital. Drone debris also struck a kindergarten and caused a fire.

Statement on Drone Production and Navigation Equipment

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that two major logistics facilities in the Moscow and Tambov regions were hit in the attacks. Zelensky claimed that the centers were used to supply sanctioned components used in drone production and navigation equipment. Ukraine also announced that it had targeted an oil facility in Noginsk that it said supplied fuel to the Russian military.

Wildberries Co-Founder and CEO Tatyana Kim described the attacks as a “terrible night” for both the company and Russia, and offered her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The company reported that the fire in Kotovsk had been brought under control. (e-commerce warehouse)

Russian E-Commerce Giant Wildberries Moves Toward Mega Logistics Project

Russian E-Commerce Giant Wildberries Moves Toward Mega Logistics Project

Wildberries & Russ, one of Russia’s largest e-commerce players, is holding talks for a large-scale logistics project that will digitally coordinate freight flows across the country. The company is reportedly in contact with Russian Railways and transport group FESCO as part of the development of Russia’s National Logistics Platform.

The platform in question is planned to operate like a digital marketplace for freight transportation customers. Through the system, shippers will enter cargo information, shipment volumes, delivery points, and dates via a digital interface. They will then be able to receive suitable transportation options from logistics providers operating on the designated routes.

The project is being evaluated within the scope of the National Digital Transport and Logistics Platform, known as GosLog, which aims to strengthen digital transportation and logistics infrastructure in Russia. GosLog was established by a government decree issued in July 2024 and is currently managed by the Russian Ministry of Transport.

One of the options being considered within the scope of the talks is for Wildberries to acquire a 25 percent stake in the joint venture expected to be established by Russian Railways and FESCO. It is also stated that software company 1C may be included in the project as a shareholder. However, these possibilities have not yet been officially confirmed.

Wildberries May Assume a Central Technological Role in the Platform With Its Logistics and Supply Chain Infrastructure

According to industry experts, Wildberries may assume a central technological role in the platform thanks to its advanced digital logistics and supply chain management infrastructure. As part of its e-commerce operations, the company manages one of Russia’s largest digital commerce ecosystems with its extensive delivery network, warehouse management, and data-driven order processes.

This move demonstrates Wildberries’ goal of not only strengthening its position in the e-commerce market, but also becoming a more strategic player in the fields of logistics, finance, and digital infrastructure. The company’s recent cooperation plans with VTB Bank and its expansion steps in different sectors show that e-commerce and logistics infrastructure in Russia are moving toward a more integrated structure.

If the national logistics platform is implemented, freight transportation processes in Russia are expected to become more transparent, faster, and more efficient. The project also stands out as an important transformation area at the intersection of e-commerce, transportation, and publicly supported digital infrastructure investments.

Wildberries Enters Africa with Ethiopian Expansion

Russian E-Commerce and Banking Are Converging: Sberbank at the Table for Ozon

It has been claimed that Sberbank, Russia’s largest state-owned bank, is holding talks to acquire a significant stake in Ozon, one of the country’s leading e-commerce platforms. The claim has taken the integration between Russia’s e-commerce and finance sectors to a new level. According to market sources, the potential deal size could exceed $4 billion.

Recently, the interest of state-backed financial institutions in e-commerce companies has been drawing attention in Russia. Following the recently announced cooperation between VTB and Wildberries, it is now suggested that Sberbank is holding talks to acquire a stake in Ozon.

The move in question is seen not only as an investment, but also as a reshaping of the competition between the banking sector and the rapidly growing fintech activities of e-commerce platforms. In recent years, Ozon and Wildberries had approached the traditional areas of activity of banks by making significant investments in payment systems, digital wallets, and consumer finance.

Ozon’s Gross Merchandise Value Rose to 1.14 Trillion Rubles

Ozon continues to grow in Russia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and other regional markets where it operates. In the first quarter of 2026, the company increased its gross merchandise value by 36 percent year-on-year to 1.14 trillion rubles. In the same period, the number of orders rose by 83 percent to 807.7 million, while the number of active customers reached 67.3 million. The company also reached an important milestone in profitability by generating a net profit of 4.5 billion rubles in the first quarter.

Debt Pressure Could Accelerate the Sale

Markets believe that AFK Sistema’s possible sale of its stake in Ozon may be driven by the holding company’s financial obligations. The company’s latest financial statements had drawn attention with its high debt level and significant net loss. According to experts, the sale of Ozon shares could help the holding company strengthen its financial structure and reduce its debt burden.

A New Era in Russia’s Internet Economy

Analysts note that state-linked investors and financial institutions are becoming increasingly influential in Russia’s digital economy companies. Ownership changes in strategic digital platforms such as VK, Yandex, and Ozon in recent years indicate that the internet economy is moving toward a more centralized structure. If the potential Sberbank-Ozon deal takes place, e-commerce, fintech, and banking in Russia are expected to become more integrated, and the boundaries between sectors are expected to become even more blurred.

Ozon Global Shares Strong Growth and New Seller Opportunities in Latest Update

Wildberries Enters Ethiopia in 2026 as Digital Trade Growth Surges

Wildberries has officially launched operations in Ethiopia, opening its marketplace to local sellers and enabling them to reach international customers.

The move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, positioning Ethiopia as one of its first major entry points into the African e-commerce landscape.

Ethiopian products reach global audiences

Through the platform, Ethiopian businesses can now offer a wide range of goods to international buyers, including coffee, textiles, leather products, and handmade items.

The integration into the marketplace is expected to strengthen export potential for small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing global visibility for locally produced goods. It also provides sellers with access to a structured digital environment that simplifies cross-border trade.

Cross-border e-commerce gains traction

The launch reflects a broader trend of growing cross-border e-commerce activity, particularly in emerging markets.

By leveraging Wildberries’ logistics and marketplace infrastructure, Ethiopian sellers are able to access international markets more efficiently, reducing traditional barriers such as distribution complexity and limited reach.

Partnership supports digital economy development

The entry into Ethiopia follows cooperation with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, aimed at supporting the country’s digital economy and e-commerce ecosystem.

Through this initiative, Wildberries is contributing to improvements in logistics capabilities, technology transfer, and the creation of new opportunities for local businesses to scale beyond domestic markets.

Two-phase marketplace rollout

In its initial phase, Ethiopian products will be made available to international consumers through Wildberries.

A second phase is expected to introduce foreign sellers to the Ethiopian market, further expanding trade flows and strengthening the country’s position within global e-commerce networks.

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