Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended the attacks by saying that Wildberries is used to distribute components for drone production and navigation equipment.
Russian war volunteers are helping the military by purchasing goods through both Wildberries and its Russian competitor Ozon, writes Meduza. The exiled Russian news site has reviewed posts in pro-Russian channels on Telegram and groups on the social network VKontakte, where volunteers are collecting money to order goods for Russian soldiers.
Protective vests
The posts are primarily about medical products such as first aid kits and tourniquets, but also tools such as shovels and other equipment used for maintenance and construction work on the front. Meduza has also found posts where money is being raised for items such as body armor, helmets, sights, magazines for assault rifles and various drone components.
Volunteers from the Bashkortostan Autonomous Republic reportedly ordered potassium permanganate for Russia's 57th Motor Rifle Regiment. The substance was reportedly needed for the manufacture of explosive charges for drones.
Investigated as a terrorist crime
The volumes are not described as particularly extensive, but purchases are said to have increased over the four years that the war has been going on.
In a video from last Friday, Wildberries founder Tatjana Kim dismissed accusations from the Ukrainian side that the e-commerce giant is selling goods for military purposes.
"Go to any global marketplace, like Amazon or Alibaba, and see if we have something they don't have," Kim said.
Several people have been killed in connection with the attacks, which the Kremlin believes constitute terrorist crimes.
