Russian drones targeted and caused damage to a Coca-Cola facility near Kyiv, as confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The incident occurred close to Brovary, east of the capital, with no reported injuries. Zelenskyy referred to the Iranian-designed drones used in the attack as a deliberate message from Russia to the United States due to the facility’s American ownership.
Footage from Reuters TV displayed firefighting teams responding to the scene, with smoke billowing from the plant and spreading across the surrounding fields. President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, Andy Hunder, reassured that the plant’s employees were unharmed and that efforts were underway to evaluate the situation, prioritizing the safety and well-being of individuals.
The Coca-Cola Company spokesperson informed CBC News via email that the targeted plant is operated by Coca-Cola HBC, an independent bottler. Coca-Cola HBC expressed relief that all employees were safe and unharmed, emphasizing collaboration with authorities to assess the impact of the attack.
The aggression by Russian forces against Ukraine began in February 2022, plunging the two nations into a continuous state of conflict.