Russia may back Wildberries after drone strikes

Russian officials are weighing state assistance for Wildberries after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes damaged several of the retailer’s warehouses, a development that could have broader implications for the country’s e‑commerce sector.

The strikes shocked the market.

Drone attacks cripple logistics, threaten small sellers

The attacks hit at least seven Wildberries storage facilities, wiping out roughly 10 % of the company’s total capacity. The damage disrupted operations and left thousands of small businesses that rely on the platform without a sales channel.

The firm said it needs at least 30 days to assess the full extent of the damage before it can begin compensating affected sellers. In the interim, it introduced discounted storage fees to ease the immediate financial strain on its partners.

According to the filing, the retailer carries debt of Rbs 830 bn (about $10.58 bn) under Russian accounting standards. The scale of the loss could pressure the company’s already heavy balance sheet, especially as it seeks to restore disrupted supply lines.

State‑controlled bank VTB may lead any aid package

Sources told the outlet that the support being considered could involve loans from state‑owned banks, tax relief, or direct subsidies. VTB, which took a 5 % stake in Wildberries’ financial arm WB Bank in June, is expected to play a central role in any financing arrangement.

Founder and chief executive Tatyana Kim has reportedly been in talks with government officials about possible tax concessions that would reduce the burden of compensating sellers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wildberries had acted voluntarily to help affected merchants, noting the company had no legal obligation to do so.

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The Kremlin confirmed that discussions have taken place at the government level but stressed that no final decision has been made. Wildberries declined to comment on the matter to reporters.

Ukraine said its initial motivation for targeting the retailer was the company’s role in supplying the Russian military. An executive at a Ukrainian arms manufacturer added that Wildberries’ ties to VTB also factored into the decision to strike.

While Moscow has selectively supported sectors such as coal, it has withheld aid from some construction firms. The current deliberations over Wildberries come as the government seeks to bolster enterprises that are integral to its economic growth strategy, especially amid rising military spending and a slowdown in broader economic activity.

Competitors like Ozon might view government aid as a competitive advantage. The potential state support could set a precedent for how Russia handles private‑sector disruptions linked to the conflict. If loans or tax breaks are granted, they may help Wildberries stabilize its operations and reassure the small sellers dependent on its platform. However, the assistance could also raise questions about market fairness.

Analysts note that the outcome will likely hinge on the balance between political considerations and fiscal constraints. The government faces pressure to maintain consumer confidence while managing a budget strained by defense costs. Any decision to aid Wildberries may therefore be as much about signaling stability as it is about direct financial relief.

For now, the retailer’s immediate focus remains on restoring its storage capacity and supporting the thousands of merchants affected by the attacks. The next few weeks will reveal whether state intervention materializes or if the company must manage the recovery on its own.