Russian drones have targeted and caused damage to a Coca-Cola facility near Kyiv, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The strike occurred in Brovary, east of the capital, with no reported injuries. Zelenskyy highlighted the attack in his address, referring to Iranian-designed drones used in the incident. He emphasized the significance of the plant being American-owned, suggesting a deliberate message from Russia to the United States.

Footage from Reuters TV showed firefighting teams responding to the scene, with smoke billowing from the plant and spreading across the surrounding fields. Andy Hunder, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, confirmed that the plant’s employees were unharmed and stated that the company is collaborating with authorities to evaluate the situation and prioritize the safety of all individuals involved.

A spokesperson for Coca-Cola Company clarified that the targeted plant belongs to Coca-Cola HBC, an independent bottler. Coca-Cola HBC expressed relief that all their employees are safe and unharmed, working closely with officials to assess the aftermath of the attack.

The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, plunging the neighboring nations into a prolonged state of war.