The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to a significant impact on various marketplaces in Ukraine, with many companies implementing measures to mitigate the effects of the war.
Among these marketplaces, Wildberries has taken a notable approach, amending its seller agreement to exclude liability for goods damaged by "force majeure" - a category that now includes UAV attacks. This change is seen as a response to the escalating Ukrainian drone raids and the subsequent strikes on Nova Poshta, a Ukrainian delivery service.
Founder Tatyana Kim has introduced a package of support measures for sellers, including deferred loan payments, preferential credit lines, and higher credit limits against remaining stock. However, many entrepreneurs remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures in addressing the impact of the war on their businesses.
The Kremlin has acknowledged the difficulties faced by Wildberries and its sellers, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the government is in contact with the company. Nevertheless, the impact of the war on the marketplace and its sellers continues to be a pressing concern.
Wildberries' ties to Russia's military are not immediately apparent, given the vast array of products it offers to civilians. However, a closer look reveals that the company sells dual-use items that could be useful on the front line, alongside everyday goods like clothing, cosmetics, and household items. This dual nature of Wildberries' business has led to concerns about the company's complicity in the conflict.
The Ukrainian government's goal in targeting Wildberries is not to cut off Russian army supplies, but to inflict economic pain on ordinary Russians and stir dissent. This strategy involves a bombing campaign that disregards civilian safety and raises concerns about war crimes.
