A soft target, burns well.” What Ukraine’s strikes on Wildberries warehouses could mean: Novaya-Europe’s economic analysis

“A soft target, burns well.” What Ukraine’s strikes on Wildberries warehouses could mean: Novaya-Europe’s economic analysis

After inflicting serious damage on the oil industry, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have moved on to striking online commerce. It now accounts for 5% of Russia’s GDP, while the Wildberries and Ozon warehouse network covers a total area of more than 10 million square meters.

In 2025, marketplaces caught up with the largest industries in terms of their contribution to GDP — metallurgy, agriculture, and petroleum products manufacturing. According to analysts’ estimates, their contribution to GDP amounted to 13.4 trillion rubles.

At the moment, the network makes it possible to offset individual losses, according to experts whom Novaya Gazeta Europe spoke with. However, systematic strikes could force Russia to stretch its air defense system, protecting not only oil depots and military facilities, but also civilian logistics.

Will civilian logistics become a new strategic target for the Ukrainian military? Read Novaya-Europe’s analysis (with VPN): (or via the mirror)

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