Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted multiple warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, in recent days. The strikes add to the increasing strain on Russian businesses already grappling with the economic repercussions of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Several retail warehouses operated by Wildberries have been hit by Ukrainian drones, according to reports. One such incident occurred at a facility in Nevinnomyssk, Russia, on July 22, 2026, where smoke was seen rising from a warehouse following an attack. Another strike impacted a logistics hub in Elektrostal, near Moscow, causing significant damage and extensive fires.
These attacks come at a time when Russian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are facing considerable challenges. Supporting these businesses has been a stated priority for President Vladimir Putin, who has framed them as a crucial element of national resilience against Western sanctions. However, the state has struggled to insulate the sector from the war's impacts.
Earlier in 2026, the value-added tax (VAT) increased from 20% to 22%, with additional funds allocated to defense. Simultaneously, tax breaks for certain businesses were eliminated. The first quarter of 2026 saw the closure of approximately 209,000 small and medium-sized companies, a 9% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to data from the business intelligence platform Kontur.Fokus.
Further disruptions have stemmed from widespread internet shutdowns and intensified crackdowns on popular messaging applications. In March, businesses in Moscow reportedly lost tens of millions of dollars in a single week due to these issues. A subsequent fuel crisis, triggered by Ukrainian strikes on oil depots, refineries, and supply routes, has exacerbated the economic strain.
"There are already a lot of nails, and they keep hammering them in. Is [the attack on Wildberries warehouses] another nail in the coffin? Well, yes, of course," Professor Ruben Eniklopov of Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona commented on the cumulative impact of these events.
While Russian small businesses have historically demonstrated resilience, the current economic climate is marked by high inflation, a widening budget deficit, and a significant decrease in oil and gas revenues, which were 23% lower in the first six months of the year compared to the previous year. Despite Russia's substantial financial reserves accumulated during peacetime, the ongoing war in Ukraine is increasingly consuming resources, thereby limiting growth opportunities for the civilian economy.