Ukraine's Strike on Wildberries Warehouses May Cost Sellers at Least 150 Billion Rubles

In the early hours of July 18, Ukraine launched a strike on two warehouses operated by Wildberries, Russia's largest online marketplace, claiming that drone components were stored there. The attack resulted in eight deaths and more than 80 injuries. The full extent of the damage remains unknown, with an inventory expected to take at least a month.

Wildberries' Losses

The targeted facilities included a 250,000-square-meter warehouse in Elektrostal, near Moscow, and a 108,000-square-meter warehouse in Kotovsk, Tambov region. Together, they accounted for approximately 6.5–9% of Wildberries' total warehouse space. While the loss is not expected to cripple the company's operations, it may strain its logistics network. Delivery times are unlikely to see significant delays due to Wildberries' extensive sorting centers.

Experts cited by Kommersant and Forbes Russia estimate that rebuilding the warehouses could cost between 60,000 and 100,000 rubles per square meter, totaling 22–36 billion rubles. For context, Wildberries reported a net profit of 175 billion rubles in 2025. It is unclear whether the warehouses were insured; market participants suggest Wildberries typically does not insure its facilities, but the company can likely absorb the costs. The Kotovsk warehouse is set to resume operations on July 23, while the fate of the Elektrostal warehouse remains uncertain.

Sellers' Losses

Sellers' unsold inventory in the two warehouses is estimated at 150–235 billion rubles, with a conservative range of 150–170 billion rubles. Wildberries is not formally obligated to compensate sellers. On July 7, the company amended its contracts to exclude liability for force majeure events, including drone attacks.

Sellers who accepted the new terms face slim chances in court, while those who did not may have better odds, though outcomes are uncertain. Wildberries has offered support measures such as discounts, suspended fines, and loan assistance, but these fall short of direct compensation. Only 5–7% of sellers have insurance policies, and just 10–20% of those cover sabotage. Negotiations are expected to begin after inventory, and the government may intervene to resolve compensation issues.