The Russian government has drafted a financial assistance package for online retailer Wildberries and sellers who use the platform following weeks of Ukrainian attacks on the company’s warehouses and logistics centers, the Finance Ministry said Monday.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the proposed measures include a deferral of taxes and insurance payments, as well as a freeze on tax audits, all with the aim of “easing administrative and financial pressure” on impacted businesses.
Under the draft proposal, sellers whose losses exceed 5% of annual revenue will receive a 12-month deferral on value-added tax (VAT), corporate tax and other liabilities due between August 2026 and July 2027.
Following the deferral period, Wildberries sellers will be allowed to settle their tax obligations in equal monthly installments over 12 months.
A matching deferral plan through July 28, 2027, followed by a one-year installment structure, would also be granted to Wildberries & Russ (RWB), the parent company of the e-commerce giant.
In addition, the government plans to freeze tax audits and procedural deadlines for both RWB and Wildberries sellers through the end of the year.
The relief measures have been submitted to the cabinet of ministers for final approval by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The proposal follows instructions from Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak last month directing federal agencies and the Central Bank to organize emergency support for Wildberries and businesses that sell goods on the platform.
Bloomberg reported in early August that the Russian government was weighing targeted state support, including debt restructuring and loan payment holidays.
Ukraine has struck more than two dozen facilities belonging to Wildberries since mid-July. Officials in Kyiv have accused Wildberries of supplying the Russian military with drone parts and other equipment.
Some estimates place total damages to the retailer’s properties and seller inventory at 878 billion rubles ($10.5 billion).
Last week, President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to help rebuild commercial warehouses that have been damaged in Ukrainian attacks.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
