Russia's biggest online retailer Wildberries is seeking warehouse space in Kazakhstan after a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes damaged its logistics network, the Kommersant newspaper reported, as the company also holds talks with the Russian government over possible financial support.
The Russian government is exploring ways to support Wildberries and businesses that sell on its platform following the attacks, with state-controlled lender VTB expected to play a central role, two sources told Reuters on Wednesday. The Kremlin confirmed to Reuters that discussions took place but said no decisions have been made.
Kommersant, citing four commercial real estate market sources, reported Wednesday that Wildberries is looking for about 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of warehouse space in Kazakhstan.
One source told the newspaper the company was prepared to lease all available warehouse capacity in the country. The move is intended to protect part of the company's logistics network from Ukrainian drone attacks, the sources said.
Finding sufficient warehouse space in Kazakhstan may prove difficult.
