Ukraine is attacking 'Russia's Amazon', and it could lead to a bigger prize

Ukraine is intensifying its drone campaign against Wildberries, Russia's equivalent of Amazon, viewing the online retailer as a lucrative target with the potential to destabilize Russia's economy. Over the last month, at least 22 Wildberries facilities have been struck by Ukrainian drones, causing damage, shutdowns, and operational disruptions. Kyiv frames these attacks as "long-range sanctions" aimed at crippling Russia's economy, which is already facing challenges. Wildberries, responsible for approximately 2% of Russia's GDP, has expanded significantly since Western companies withdrew following the 2022 invasion. This expansion has also led to a surge in debt, with the company reportedly taking out major loans from VTB Bank and Sberbank, both majority-owned by the Kremlin. Consequently, any financial distress at Wildberries could trigger a chain reaction affecting these banks and, ultimately, the Russian government. Russian officials deny Wildberries supplies military equipment, despite its website listing dual-use items. Major Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, leading Ukraine's drone strategy, stated that Ukraine will continue targeting Wildberries until recovery becomes impossible, describing ordinary Russian consumers as "addicted" to the company's convenience. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak suggested that Kyiv's attacks would cause "severe defiscalisation" of Russia's economy, which is already showing signs of crisis according to IMF metrics.

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It turned out to be a sensitive sensor of the comfort of Russia's massive population, people who consider themselves completely untouched by the actions of the aggressor country.