Russian drones targeted and caused damage to a Coca-Cola facility near Kyiv, as disclosed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This incident occurred close to Brovary, east of the capital, with no reported injuries. Zelenskyy highlighted the attack in his evening video address, emphasizing the use of Iranian-designed drones by the Russians to set the plant ablaze. He interpreted this action as a deliberate signal to the U.S., indicating the facility’s American ownership.
Footage from Reuters TV depicted firefighting teams responding to the scene, with smoke billowing from the plant and spreading across the surrounding fields. Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, confirmed the safety of the plant’s employees, stating that efforts are underway to evaluate the situation and prioritize the well-being of individuals.
The Coca-Cola Company’s spokesperson relayed that the affected plant in Ukraine is operated by Coca-Cola HBC, an independent bottler. Coca-Cola HBC reassured on Friday that all employees were unharmed, expressing cooperation with authorities to assess the incident.
The aggression unfolded amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, plunging the two nations into a prolonged conflict.