Russian drones targeted and caused damage to a Coca-Cola facility located near Kyiv, as confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The incident occurred in the town of Brovary, just east of the capital, without any reported injuries.
During his evening address, Zelenskyy highlighted the attack on the Coca-Cola plant by Russian drones, which he referred to as Shaheds, of Iranian origin. Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the Coca-Cola plant as an American facility, indicating the strike as a deliberate message to the United States.
Video footage from Reuters TV displayed firefighting teams at the scene, with smoke billowing from the plant and spreading across nearby fields. Andy Hunder, the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, confirmed the safety of the plant’s personnel and stated that the company is cooperating with authorities to evaluate the situation, prioritizing the well-being of individuals.
A spokesperson for the Coca-Cola Company revealed that the affected plant in Ukraine is under the ownership of Coca-Cola HBC, an independent bottling entity. Coca-Cola HBC expressed relief that all employees remained unharmed and safe, underscoring their collaboration with officials to assess the aftermath.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, leading to sustained hostilities between the neighboring nations.