Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Wildberries Warehouses: Impact on Russia’s E-Commerce Giant
7/28/2026, 7:52:20 AM
Core Event
Ukrainian drones began striking Wildberries’ logistics network in mid-July 2026. The first attack hit a warehouse in Elektrostal on July 17; subsequent strikes hit facilities in Kotovsk (July 18), Krasnodar and Stavropol (July 22), and in St. Petersburg, Simferopol and Yekaterinburg by July 24. Nine people were killed and dozens injured. Ukrainian officials say the sites also supplied the Russian military.
Background & Context
Wildberries, founded in 2004, has become Russia’s “Amazon-equivalent,” operating over 200 logistics facilities covering 5.2 million m² and handling 52 % of online orders.
Data & Statistics
- Warehouses struck: at least 12 (PBS, Newsweek).
- Fatalities: nine total; seven in Kotovsk.
- Injuries: about 25 in Kotovsk, 24 in Elektrostal.
- Market share: 52 % of Russian online orders.
- Seller base: 500,000–800,000 merchants.
- Logistics footprint: 5.2 million m²; damaged sites represent ~12 % of capacity.
- Estimated loss: up to $3 billion in goods.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied the attacks were aimed at military targets.
- Tatyana Kim said some goods were salvaged, payments to affected sellers had begun, and Wildberries is offering discounted storage fees, free transfers and low-interest loans through its bank.
- Wildberries declined direct comment on the strikes.
Criticism & Opposition
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the attacks unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure, rejecting Ukraine’s claim that the warehouses support the war effort.
On-the-Ground Reports
Sellers on social media described destroyed inventory as “tearful” and “catastrophic.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Casualty figures: PBS cites nine deaths; Newsweek notes seven in Kotovsk and gives no total.
- Damage assessment: estimates of up to $3 billion loss, but exact values remain “hard to gauge.”
- Operational impact: some facilities resumed within days, but the overall effect on logistics capacity is still being measured.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is deliberate Russian terror that has no military justification,” — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Why It Matters / Impact
The strikes highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s domestic supply chains and bring the conflict into everyday Russian commerce.
What’s Next
Wildberries has amended its seller policy to treat stock loss from “force majeure,” including drone attacks, as exempt from liability and is compensating affected sellers. The company continues to offer storage-fee discounts and low-interest loans to support small entrepreneurs. No further strikes or policy changes have been announced.
