Russian e-commerce company Wildberries has provided more than 40 million rubles (approximately $509,000) in direct financial support to victims of attacks on its logistics centers, the company announced.
Payments began on July 21, according to the company. The support comes after a series of drone and missile strikes on Wildberries warehouses in recent weeks, which the company attributes to Ukraine.
Total compensation provided to warehouse attack victims
Among the recent incidents, six people were hospitalized after a drone attack on a Wildberries warehouse in the Ryazan region, which also prompted an evacuation, according to local authorities. Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov stated: "At the moment, six people have been hospitalized. There is no threat to their lives."
At the moment, six people have been hospitalized. There is no threat to their lives.
Wildberries warehouses in the Tambov, Moscow, Krasnodar, and Stavropol regions have also been hit by drone attacks in recent weeks. The company said drones damaged at least seven warehouses, destroying about 10% of its storage capacity, and that it would need at least 30 days to assess the damage before making payments to affected sellers.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov praised Wildberries' compensation efforts, stating: "This, of course, deserves the highest praise." The Russian government is exploring ways to support the company, with state-controlled bank VTB expected to play a central role, though the Kremlin has acknowledged discussions without a final decision.
This, of course, deserves the highest praise.
In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the targeted warehouses were involved in providing Russian forces with drone components, navigation equipment, and other military supplies. The attacks are part of Ukraine's effort to disrupt supply chains and increase the financial burden on Russian businesses.
Wildberries founder and CEO Tatyana Kim, Russia's richest woman, is in contact with authorities about tax breaks for business owners. Possible state support includes loans from state-owned banks, tax breaks, or subsidies. The company employs approximately 48,000 people.