President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian strikes on the Wildberries logistics network are a response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian logistics. He estimates that the direct losses from the operation amount to around 1 trillion roubles, whilst the total economic impact on Russia — taking into account debts and the restructuring of the network — could reach 3 trillion roubles.
Briefly about the main points
- Ukraine links Wildberries to the supply of military and dual-use goods.
- Zelenskyy estimated the direct losses from the operation at approximately 1 trillion roubles.
- The figure of 3 trillion roubles takes account of the broader indirect economic consequences.
- The President linked the campaign to the Russian Federation’s attacks on «Nova Poshta» and «Ukrposhta».
- The Ministry of Defence also reported that the Ozon logistics hub had been hit.
Ukraine claims the network is being used for military purposes
Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Wildberries as part of Russia’s military logistics network. According to the Ukrainian side, its facilities are being used to supply military goods and dual-use products. «This involves both the supply of military goods and large sums of money for the Russian Federation,» said the president, describing the operation as meticulously planned.
Ukraine had previously reported that damage to logistics facilities, through which sanctioned components for the production of drones and navigation equipment were supplied. The marketplace itself offers FPV drones, fibre-optic cable, flight controllers, motors, armour plates and sights. The Russian side denies Ukraine’s claim that the network was intended for military use.
What is included in the assessment of total losses
According to the President’s explanation, the estimate of 3 trillion roubles does not represent a calculation based solely on destroyed property. It includes debt obligations, losses incurred by companies and entrepreneurs associated with Wildberries, and the costs of reorganising logistics and restoring infrastructure.
Other estimates cited earlier differ in terms of how they are calculated: the combined losses of Wildberries and its sellers were estimated at nearly 1 trillion roubles, whilst the company’s need for additional funding to restructure its business was put at approximately 1.3 trillion. Therefore, the figure quoted by Zelenskyy should be regarded as his estimate of the overall economic impact, rather than an independently verified figure for direct losses.
The campaign is linked to attacks on Ukrainian hauliers
The President stated that Russia is systematically attacking Ukrainian logistics companies Since 2022, facilities belonging to «Nova Poshta» and «Ukrposhta» have come under attack on several occasions. The first major strike on a «Nova Poshta» depot outside the immediate combat zone was recorded in Dnipro in November 2022.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine began to respond by putting pressure on the Russian Federation’s logistics system following such attacks, selecting targets based on the expected military and economic impact.
The strikes are also affecting other logistics networks in Russia
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence also reported that damage to hubs another major Russian marketplace — Ozon. The ministry stated that such transactions are intended to hamper the supply of Russian troops and cause economic losses to the Russian Federation.
The Financial Times noted that the repercussions of the attacks could extend to retailers, lending, insurance, tax revenues and the goods delivery system. Following the first four strikes, Wildberries lost around 444,000 square metres of warehouse space, according to Russian estimates cited by the publication. The Ukrainian side views the attacks on large logistics networks as a combination of pressure on military supplies and the economic infrastructure that supports them.
