Why Ukraine is targeting Russian retail giant Wildberries

Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian retail giant Wildberries, targeting its vast network of warehouses across Russia. The company, established in 2004 by entrepreneur Tatyana Kim, holds a dominant position in Russia's e-commerce sector, representing approximately one-third of the market share. This sector itself accounts for over 8% of Russia's GDP, comparable to some major European economies.

Wildberries, valued at over €7 billion, is Russia's wealthiest woman-led company. Its operations have seen significant growth, with a nearly 50% increase in turnover in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, the ongoing conflict has impacted its profitability. Since July 18, at least 20 Wildberries warehouses, primarily in southern and western Russia, have been struck by Ukrainian drones, causing fires and destroying substantial inventory.

Satellite imagery analysis indicates that at least 1.18 million square meters of Wildberries warehouse space, equivalent to one-fifth of its total storage capacity, has been damaged or destroyed. Russian authorities report eight fatalities at two Wildberries sites, with an additional five deaths attributed to a drone strike on an unnamed warehouse near Moscow.

Ukraine asserts that its targeting of Wildberries logistics hubs is strategic. The company allegedly supplies critical equipment to the Russian armed forces, including components used in drone production that are subject to international sanctions. For instance, consumer drones widely used by both Russian and Ukrainian forces for reconnaissance are available for purchase on the Wildberries platform. Oleksandr Kraiev, a Ukrainian foreign policy expert, stated that the strikes aim to prevent Russian businesses and the government from acquiring sanctioned goods flowing through these e-commerce channels. He added that the objective is to increase pressure on the Russian economy and military, making negotiations the only viable option for Russia.

“

It is just putting more pressure on the Russian economy in order to make it unsustainable and to make Russian military operations unsustainable, and to create a situation where negotiations are the only option for Russians.