Sellers Seek Tax Relief After Drone Attacks Hit Wildberries Hubs

Vendors Hit by Warehouse Attacks Request Payment Reprieves

Sellers operating on Russian e‑commerce giant Wildberries are pressing the government for urgent financial relief after a series of drone attacks destroyed inventory and disrupted operations at the company’s logistics centres. Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Roman Chekushov confirmed that the sellers have asked for deferments or instalment plans on mandatory payments—chiefly taxes and social contributions. The proposals are now being examined by the financial wing of the cabinet, not by the Industry Ministry.

Chekushov stressed that no final position has been formed, noting that any relief would represent “a significant volume of lost budget revenue.” The attacks, attributed by Moscow to Ukrainian drones, have struck multiple Wildberries hubs in recent weeks. While the marketplace has rolled out its own support schemes for affected entrepreneurs, Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov stated on Thursday that broader government measures—including tax holidays for both the sellers and the platform itself—are under discussion, though no concrete decisions have been taken.

According to Chekushov, Wildberries is managing to “successfully” clean up the aftermath and redirect its logistics flows, suggesting that operational recovery is under way even as financial questions linger.

Strain on Wildberries' Seller Ecosystem and the Government's Response

Where This Leaves Wildberries

The attacks expose a vulnerability in the company’s heavily centralised logistics model. Although Wildberries is absorbing some of the blow through its own compensation initiatives, the scale of the losses puts pressure on its relationships with tens of thousands of sellers. If government aid is slow or insufficient, the platform risks a wave of seller exits, potentially ceding ground to rivals like Ozon or Yandex.Market—even if Chekushov’s public confidence in logistics recovery is borne out.

Government’s Balancing Act

For the finance ministry, the sellers’ request pits fiscal prudence against the political and economic need to keep domestic commerce running amid wartime disruptions. Agreeing to blanket deferrals could set a costly precedent, but refusing might be seen as abandoning small businesses that have little alternative distribution. The outcome will likely shape how other sectors demand support when physical infrastructure comes under attack.

Winners and Losers from a Potential Deferral

If tax deferrals are granted, the immediate winners are the affected sellers, who would gain months of breathing room, and Wildberries, which would preserve its seller base. Tax authorities and the federal budget would lose short‑term revenue, though some of that could be recovered if businesses survive. A refusal would force sellers to absorb both destroyed stock and full tax obligations, potentially triggering a cascade of defaults among smaller enterprises. The government’s hesitation signals that while political pressure is high, the fiscal cost is hard to ignore.

What Affected Sellers Should Do Now While Moscow Deliberates

• Document losses thoroughly now. Sellers whose inventory was destroyed in the attacks should compile detailed, verifiable records of the lost stock and related costs. Wildberries’ existing support schemes likely require evidence; government tax relief, if it materialises, would almost certainly need the same.
• Don’t skip upcoming tax deadlines without official confirmation. The financial bloc has made no decision. Filing a return and paying what is due—unless a formal deferral is issued—remains the safest way to avoid penalties and interest charges.
• Explore alternative fulfilment channels. While Wildberries is rerouting logistics, sellers who relied exclusively on the bombed-out hubs should temporarily diversify by using other marketplace warehouses or direct‑to‑customer shipping options, to limit sales losses if bottlenecks persist.
• Engage with Wildberries’ support programmes immediately. The platform has launched initiatives for affected entrepreneurs; contacting the company early can clarify compensation amounts, timelines and the documentation required, reducing the strain while government talks drag on.