VTB Bank has instructed staff at its Moscow City headquarters to work remotely due to the threat of drone strikes, according to The Bell's sources.
Employees reportedly received notification about the shift to remote work on July 11, with most staying home by July 14. A source told The Bell that departments were permitted to keep no more than 20% of staff on-site, with these measures expected to last two weeks. Approximately 2,500 people typically work in VTB’s Moscow City office. The bank declined to comment when approached by The Bell.
Separately, Beware Media (owned by journalist Ksenia Sobchak) cited unnamed sources stating that several Moscow City-based companies have also advised employees to work from home over drone strike concerns for the next two weeks. The report suggests these restrictions could extend through the summer, though the companies involved were not named.
The Bell notes that Moscow City houses key government offices, including the Finance Ministry, Economic Development Ministry, and Industry and Trade Ministry. Sources indicate these agencies have not yet moved to remote work. Employees of Ozon and Sber also continue working on-site.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow City has faced multiple attacks by Ukrainian forces. Russian authorities have not addressed reports of potential new strikes on the business district.