Amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, a new front has emerged: a series of drone strikes targeting key logistical infrastructure in Russia, including several warehouses belonging to Wildberries, the country's largest online retailer. This escalation not only highlights the complexities of modern warfare but also underscores its far-reaching consequences for ordinary Russians.
The attacks, which began over the weekend and continued into Wednesday, have resulted in significant material damage and loss of life. Two Wildberries warehouses were hit: one in Elektrostal, east of Moscow, and another in Kotovsk, Tambov region, approximately 400km from the Ukrainian border. These strikes claimed seven lives in Kotovsk and one in Elektostal, with dozens more injured and an estimated £750 million worth of goods destroyed. Further attacks overnight targeted Wildberries logistics hubs in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk in the Stavropol region, leading to additional casualties according to company owner Tatiana Kim.
Ukraine has explicitly stated that these drone strikes are a deliberate strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics and bring the conflict closer to Russia's heartland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted, "We are bringing the war back home - to Russia." While Moscow denies that online platforms are used for army supplies, pro-Russian bloggers suggest volunteers frequently use such platforms to purchase military gear and dual-use items for the front lines.
The impact on small Russian businesses is considerable. Unlike Western retailers like Amazon, Wildberries operates primarily as a marketplace, connecting independent sellers with buyers across Russia. Consequently, financial losses from destroyed inventory are borne directly by these entrepreneurs. Many have publicly expressed their distress, including one woman who lost 1 million roubles (£9,500) worth of stock and described the devastating effect on her business, which she built to support her disabled child.
The disruption extends beyond immediate stock losses. Wildberries and rival Ozon serve as vital channels for Russia's economically active population (estimated at 85-90%), providing access to everyday essentials in remote areas where physical retail options are scarce. The timing of the attacks is also critical, with stationery sellers relying on this period for back-to-school preparations. Ongoing uncertainty and risk of further strikes are forcing traders to reevaluate their supply chains and business models.