Sberbank Mulls Larger Loan Provisions After Ukrainian Strikes Hit Wildberries

Russia’s state‑controlled Sberbank said its loan‑book quality deteriorated in the second quarter, with the share of impaired loans rising to 5.5% from 4.8% three months earlier. Executives warned that corporate borrowers are under pressure from slowing growth, high interest rates and a strong ruble, prompting a cut in the bank’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 0‑0.5%.

The bank is also considering increasing provisions for credit losses after Ukrainian attacks on the online retailer Wildberries damaged several of its warehouses, destroying about 10% of the company’s storage capacity and disrupting tens of thousands of small‑business sellers. Approximately 300 firms linked to Wildberries have sought loan restructuring. CFO Taras Skvortsov told a conference that “we are considering increasing provisions – yes, we are considering,” although no decision has been taken. Sberbank expects a record profit for the year and continues to lend to both Wildberries and its rival Ozon.