Ukrainian drone strikes on Wildberries warehouses destabilize Russian e-commerce network

Beginning on July 18, Ukrainian forces have launched a wave of drone strikes targeting Wildberries warehouses, igniting major fires and wiping out more than a fifth of the retailer’s storage area, according to satellite analysis. The assaults have halted deliveries, causing sales at franchise locations such as Vasily Klimov’s to fall by about 50% and turning operations loss-making. The attacks have resulted in at least 13 fatalities and have unsettled a broad network of small sellers that rely on Wildberries for online sales.

Russia’s central bank governor said authorities will monitor whether the supply shock fuels higher inflation, while economists warn it could hinder interest-rate cuts. Major lenders like Sberbank are considering larger loan-loss provisions as credit quality deteriorates for online retailers, and the Kremlin is reportedly discussing possible state support for the company and its partners.