Following the drone attacks, Wildberries is overhauling its logistics: in Russia, people are already afraid to rent out warehouses
29 July 14:45
Wildberries, Russia’s largest e-commerce marketplace, has begun searching for large warehouse spaces in Kazakhstan following a series of attacks by Ukrainian drones on logistics infrastructure within Russia. According to Russian media reports, the company is considering leasing up to 100,000 square meters of warehouse space to mitigate risks to its logistics operations.
This involves not only the construction of new logistics centers but also the possible relocation of part of its inventory outside of Russia.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Russian media.
Wildberries is looking for up to 100,000 square meters of warehouse space
According to the publication’s sources, the company is in negotiations to lease approximately 100,000 square meters of warehouse space in Kazakhstan.
One source claims that the marketplace is ready to lease virtually all available modern logistics space on the country’s market.
The sources attribute this decision to a series of strikes by Ukrainian drones on Russian logistics infrastructure, following which large warehouse complexes have become high-risk targets.
Why Kazakhstan Has Become an Alternative
According to the consulting firm NF Group, by the end of 2025, the total volume of modern logistics space in Kazakhstan stood at approximately 1.9 million square meters, with a vacancy rate of just 5.8%.
Stanislav Akhmedzyanov, managing partner of IBC Global, noted that there is virtually no single logistics complex in the country with an area of 100,000 square meters.
As of the end of June 2026, approximately 130,000 square meters remained available, but these spaces are located in various cities across Kazakhstan.
Thus, even if Wildberries decides to relocate part of its logistics operations, doing so quickly will not be easy.
Warehouse owners in Russia are wary of the risks
The company also continues to search for new warehouse space directly in Russia.
However, owners of logistics complexes are reluctant to sign new lease agreements due to the risk of drone attacks.
Wildberries previously reported that standard warehouse insurance policies do not cover damages caused by drone strikes.
Wildberries’ Response
The company’s press office stated that expanding the logistics network is part of a long-term development strategy.
In particular, construction is already underway in Kazakhstan on:
- a logistics center with an area of over 100,000 square meters in Almaty;
- a complex with an area of over 160,000 square meters in Astana.
The company emphasized that the current focus is on a more even distribution of goods among various logistics centers, which should improve the stability of partners’ operations and accelerate the turnover of goods.
What losses did Wildberries suffer as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks?
The search for warehouse space in Kazakhstan was a result of a series of attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russia’s logistics infrastructure, specifically facilities used or leased by the Wildberries marketplace.
The most high-profile incident occurred on July 26, 2026, when Ukrainian drones attacked a large logistics complex in Zelenograd, Moscow Oblast. According to Russian media reports and eyewitnesses, a massive fire broke out on the warehouse premises following the strike, and operations at the complex were temporarily suspended. According to Russian Telegram channels, some of the premises were used to store goods belonging to Wildberries’ partners.
In addition, over the past few months, drones have repeatedly attacked logistics facilities in the Moscow, Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, and other regions of the Russian Federation. As a result, Russian logistics operators have begun to review their delivery routes, and warehouse complex owners are now factoring in these risks when signing new lease agreements.
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