In a significant escalation of its ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine has intensified its campaign against the online retail powerhouse Wildberries, targeting its logistics hubs across the country. Since mid-July, Ukrainian forces have executed at least 20 drone strikes on Wildberries warehouses, causing devastating fires and crippling the company’s extensive distribution network. This strategy appears aimed not only at disrupting Russian supply chains but also at sending a stark message to the Russian populace about the costs of the ongoing war.
The Campaign Against Wildberries
Ukraine’s offensive against Wildberries—often heralded as Russia’s equivalent to Amazon—has seen an unprecedented level of aggression. Satellite images reviewed by Reuters reveal that over 1.18 million square metres of warehouse space have been damaged, comprising more than a fifth of Wildberries’ total storage capacity. The assaults have resulted in significant economic losses, with analysts estimating that the goods destroyed in recent strikes could be valued as high as $2.9 billion.
This relentless assault aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of “bringing the war home” to the Russian citizenry, attempting to raise the stakes for the Kremlin’s military endeavours. Wildberries, a critical pillar of the Russian consumer economy, is accused by Kyiv of supporting Vladimir Putin’s military logistics, a claim that the company and the Kremlin vehemently deny.
Understanding Wildberries
Founded in 2004 by Tatyana Kim, who has since become Russia’s wealthiest woman, Wildberries has evolved into the largest e-commerce platform in the country. Its vast marketplace offers everything from electronics to groceries, catering to millions of consumers and hosting thousands of third-party sellers. With operations spanning logistics hubs and warehouses throughout Russia, Wildberries plays a pivotal role in the economic landscape, accounting for approximately 8.5 per cent of the nation’s GDP and supporting around four million jobs.
In recent years, Wildberries has also expanded its financial operations by establishing Wildberries Bank, now facing sanctions from various Western governments. As Ukrainian drones target its facilities, the implications for the company and the wider Russian economy are dire.
The Rationale Behind the Attacks
Kyiv’s rationale for targeting Wildberries appears to be twofold: disrupting logistical support for the Russian military and increasing economic pressure on Moscow. Ukrainian officials assert that the company’s warehouses are integral to the transport and storage of military supplies, reinforcing the idea that such infrastructure is a legitimate target in wartime.
Furthermore, the ties between Wildberries and state-controlled entities, such as VTB Bank, have drawn the ire of Ukrainian leaders. Denys Shtilerman, co-founder of the Ukrainian arms manufacture
