Tensions Over Wildberries' Merger Spark Deadly Moscow Shootout

The Kremlin has refused to comment on a deadly shooting incident at Wildberries' Moscow office. The violence erupted due to a dispute over Wildberries' merger with Russ Group. The conflict involves Tatyana Bakalchuk, Wildberries' founder, and her estranged husband, Vladislav. Two people died, seven were injured, and dozens were detained.

The Kremlin on Monday declined to comment on a deadly shootout that occurred last week at the Moscow office of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries.

Two individuals were killed and seven others wounded, including police officers, in a violent dispute over the company's future direction. The fracas centers around Tatyana Bakalchuk, Wildberries' founder and Russia's richest woman, and her plan to merge the company with Russ Group. Bakalchuk’s estranged husband, Vladislav Bakalchuk, opposed the merger and was detained for 48 hours despite claiming peaceful intentions.

The Kremlin, which had earlier stated that the merger had President Vladimir Putin's backing, reiterated its stance of non-interference in business matters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the investigation is in the hands of law enforcement, while the business process remains outside their remit.

(With inputs from agencies.)