On March 1, 2025, news from Novosibirsk centers on several significant stories ranging from corporate expansions to local community issues. Wildberries, one of Russia's prominent e-commerce platforms, is launching its WB Drive service aimed at creating job opportunities for drivers. The move could signal competition for existing transport services, particularly with its potential taxi service startup.
Wildberries has been aggressively recruiting drivers across Russian cities, including Novosibirsk. The company promotes WB Drive as ‘a comfortable earning mode for drivers who value their time’. The initiative allows drivers to deliver goods from Wildberries warehouses according to their flexible schedules. Instead of traditional shifts with fixed salaries, drivers will earn based on their activity, creating a model similar to popular ride-sharing services like Uber.
The announcement has raised questions about future expansions, as Wildberries has already indicated it is testing its taxi service model in Belarus. The logistics and e-commerce giant aims to gather experience from WB Drive before possibly introducing these services to the Russian market.
According to statements from the Wildberries press service, WB Drive is already operational and facilitating the transportation of goods to their pickup points. The company is also enhancing its logistics capabilities, which might serve to build its network before officially launching the taxi service.
Experts like Alexander Logunov, Deputy Chairman of the E-commerce Committee of the Russian Chamber of Commerce, suggest Wildberries’ expansion could significantly impact the market. He mentioned, “It will be a serious competitor” to existing services such as Yandex.Taxi, emphasizing the necessity for Wildberries to diversify its services to increase capitalization.
Logunov explained, “Wildberries is trying to position itself across various niches. This diversification might lead to new projects, including potential travel services.”
Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges remain, such as competing against established players like Yandex, which maintains loyalty among users through its extensive service integration. Yet the shift by Wildberries showcases the changing dynamics within consumer expectations and the e-commerce space.
Meanwhile, discussions around Russia rejoining the SWIFT payment system are also heating up. Many residents of Novosibirsk shared their thoughts on articles by the NGS about the topic, with opinions divided. Some residents believe returning to SWIFT is unnecessary, arguing, “We need to continue developing our payment systems.” Others expressed skepticism about the lifting of sanctions, with one resident stating, “Sanctions could last for decades.”
Public sentiment reflects the broader uncertainty around economic shifts and sanctions, with many expressing concerns about the future of international relations and their potential impacts on ordinary citizens.
Another story capturing attention is the mysterious disappearance of 8-year-old Ruslan Baikalov from the Ob’GES microdistrict. He was last seen on February 28, 2025, during his outing. The search for the boy has prompted local authorities and search groups like LisaAlert to urge citizens for any information. Ruslan is described as 140 cm tall, having normal build, brown hair, and blue-green eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket with fur trim, black pants, gray shoes, and carrying a black Spider-Man backpack.
The search efforts highlight community solidarity and concern for the welfare of children, as officials have set up hotlines encouraging anyone with information to contact authorities.
On another note, the New Year came with tragedy as reports emerged of a fire leading to the demise of a 48-year-old man in the town of Cherepanovo. This incident occurred on February 28, and the local MCHS reported fire crews discovered the man during extinguishing operations. Preliminary investigations suggest careless smoking may have played a role.
The diversity of stories—from economic initiatives and community safety issues to tragic incidents—paints a complex picture of life in Novosibirsk on this early March day. Residents are witnessing significant changes, from corporate expansions promising new job opportunities to grappling with local challenges like safety and community welfare.
With the temperature fluctuated from below zero to the mid-range during the first week of March, residents can expect mild weather. Local meteorologists reported above-average temperatures, with daytime highs potentially reaching up to 7 degrees Celsius later this week, offering some respite from the typical cold.
This interplay of social, economic, and environmental dynamics continues to shape life across the region, inviting residents to adapt and engage with the changes.