In brief
Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes that damaged four Wildberries logistics hubs in Russia, killing workers and destroying goods valued at around £750 million. The attacks not only aim to disrupt military supply chains but also devastate the small and medium‑sized businesses that rely on the marketplace for income. While Wildberries says it is not liable for losses due to “force majeure”, several sellers report significant financial setbacks and uncertain futures. The strikes amplify the cumulative strain on Russia’s economy amid sanctions, tax hikes and fuel shortages.
Ukrainian drones have repeatedly struck logistics hubs run by Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, causing widespread damage to warehouses and forcing the company to cancel or postpone shipments for countless sellers.
Robust Supply Chains Now Under Siege
The attacks target yards that supply components used in drone and missile production, according to Kyiv. At the same time, Russia’s own fleet of drones is hitting Ukrainian logistics points, underscoring a new phase of the war that blurs front‑line boundaries.
- Elektrostal near Moscow – 7 night‑shift workers killed, 620,000 kg of goods destroyed.
- Kotovsk in Tambov – 1 fatal injury, 250,000 kg of goods lost.
- Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk – further casualties confirmed, operational paralysis for local retailers.
SME Fallout
Wildberries acts predominantly as a marketplace, storing and delivering sales from independent sellers. The damages thus ripen across a broad spectrum of small enterprises—ranging from stationery vendors to teenage clothing sellers.
“I am a mother of a disabled child, I've built the business myself,” said a seller whose warehouse burned down. “I’ve lost 1 million roubles. We’re already getting screwed over from every direction.”
The retailer’s owner, Tatiana Kim, announced temporary discounts and waived shipping fees, but said the business community remains uncertain. A clause added in contracts two weeks before the strikes declares drones a "force majeure" event, limiting Wildberries’ liability.
Economic Context
Russia’s small‑business sector is under pressure from increased VAT (20% to 22%), loss of tax incentives, internet shutdowns and a cascading fuel crisis precipitated by Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure.
According to Kontur.Fokus, 209,000 SMEs closed in the first quarter of 2026—a 9% rise over the same period in 2025. The new wave of warehouse strikes is perceived by experts as a crippling blow to already stressed micro‑economies.
The Bigger Picture
With the front line moving closer to a stalemate, Ukraine’s long‑range drone campaign is testing Russia’s supply routes and energy hubs, strangling a country that has long considered wholesale support for small businesses a pillar of defence. Wildberries’ warehouses thus lie at the intersection of commerce and conflict, spotlighting the geopolitical cost of every spared shipment.
Additional reporting by Olga Shamina.
