Book publishers and major online sales platforms in Russia are altering distribution networks as drone strikes target logistics centers, according to reports in Latvian newspaper Diena based on regional publishing data. Major market participants, including the publisher Eksmo and platforms like Wildberries, are adjusting inventory strategies following repeated attacks on fulfillment infrastructure since mid-July.
Publishing houses face significant operational shifts as digital marketplaces absorb ongoing security disruptions. According to Diena, the publishing house Bumkniga has completely halted sales through e-commerce platforms. Another publisher, Alpaka, is directing buyers toward its own retail stores or the Ozon platform.
Meanwhile, Eksmo, the largest participant in the book market, is shifting toward direct deliveries originating primarily from its own warehouses, according to the report. Wildberries representatives told Diena that sellers across categories have begun fulfilling product sales from private warehouses more frequently.
Logistics Infrastructure Disrupted by Drone Strikes
The operational changes follow a series of military strikes on supply chain facilities. Since mid-July, Wildberries logistics centers have been regularly targeted by drone attacks, according to Diena. Satellite imagery indicates that several warehouses have been nearly destroyed in the incidents.
Eksmo is currently calculating financial damages resulting from the strikes on its warehouse facilities, as stated by General Director Yevgeny Kapiev during a briefing on first-half financial results reported last week. Ukrainian forces have conducted daily drone strikes against Wildberries logistics hubs, impacting more than 20 company facilities since the campaign began in mid-July.
Did you know?
According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodimirs Zelenskis and military analysts have stated that Wildberries logistics warehouses are utilized to supply the Russian armed forces. Platforms and associated fulfillment centers have reportedly handled sanctioned drone components and navigation equipment.
Supply Chain Adaptation and Future Outlook
Publishers are re-evaluating long-term reliance on centralized fulfillment hubs as security risks persist. By diverting stock to independent retail outlets and alternative platforms like Ozon, mid-sized publishers aim to insulate inventory from localized supply chain halts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Russian publishers altering sales strategies on e-commerce platforms?
Publishers like Bumkniga and Alpaka are modifying distribution methods because recurring drone strikes have damaged major logistics hubs operated by Wildberries, forcing firms to rely on private warehouses and alternative platforms such as Ozon.
How many Wildberries logistics centers have been targeted?
According to reports cited by Diena, Ukraine has conducted drone attacks against more than 20 company warehouses since mid-July.
What impact have the strikes had on major publishers like Eksmo?
Eksmo, the largest participant in the book market, is currently calculating financial damages from warehouse strikes and transitioning toward deliveries originating primarily from its own private storage facilities.
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