Russia approves support package for Wildberries sellers hurt by drone attacks
MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a resolution on measures to support entrepreneurs hurt by drone attacks on the distribution centers of Wildberries-Russ (RWB LLC), which includes Russia's leading online marketplace, the government press service reported.
The measures include a "deferral for payment of a number of taxes and insurance contributions, as well as the suspension of inspection activities," the statement said.
The Finance Ministry announced on August 24 that such resolutions had been drafted an submitted to the government.
Affected entrepreneurs will be eligible for a 12-month extension for payment of value-added tax (with the exception of VAT paid upon importing goods into Russia), profit tax, tax paid under the simplified and automated simplified taxation systems, social security contributions and advance payments on these taxes due from August 2026 to July 2027, with subsequent payment in equal instalments over a year starting with the month after payment is due.
The support will be provided to legal entities and individual entrepreneurs who suffered losses exceeding 5% of their annual revenue.
The authorities will also suspend tax audits and audits on correct calculation and payment of social security contributions until the end of the year for affected entrepreneurs. Related procedural deadlines will also be suspended for this period.
In addition, deadlines for sending demands to pay debt and rendering decisions to collect debt will be extended for six months.
A number of major Wildberries logistics hubs in various regions of Russia have been hit by drone attacks since July 18. RWB is also working out its own measures to support sellers whose goods were lost or damaged in the attacks.
At the end of July, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and the Russian president's deputy head chief of staff, Maxim Oreshkin ordered the economy and finance ministries and the Federal Tax Service, together with the Central Bank and business associations, to work out comprehensive measures to support affected sellers by August 10, as well as table draft acts needed to launch them.
