Global brands usually try to stay out of geopolitical conflicts.

They focus on selling their products and keeping their supply chains running smoothly.

But sometimes a recognizable logo becomes a target in a war zone.

A massive fire

Russian forces launched a massive daytime drone assault on Thursday. According to U24 Media, the strike hit one of the largest beverage manufacturing facilities in Europe.

Flames quickly engulfed the Coca-Cola production plant in Velyka Dymerka. Video footage posted online captured thick black smoke pouring from the sprawling factory grounds.

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The destruction was massive. Yet the human cost was thankfully low, as Coca-Cola confirmed that no workers were injured during the daytime bombardment.

“We confirm that our production facility in Brovary was damaged in a drone attack on September 3. We are pleased to confirm that all of our employees are safe and unharmed,” the company said in a statement reported by RBC-Ukraine.

Sending a message

Company officials are now working with local authorities to assess the total damage. “The safety and well-being of our employees remain our top priority,” the statement read.

Ukrainian officials believe the location was not chosen by accident. Later that night, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the factory fire in his evening video broadcast.

He argued that the Russian military deliberately targeted a massive American commercial asset. The goal was to send a political warning.

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“Today, the Russians struck a Coca-Cola plant with their drone. Coca-Cola is already such an enemy to them that they burn it with Shaheds. A clear Russian signal to America,” Zelenskyy said, as quoted by United24 Media.

Hitting foreign targets

According to Zelenskyy, these destructive strikes serve a dual purpose. They terrorize civilians while ruining the domestic economy. And this is certainly not the first time foreign corporate property has taken a direct hit.

Months earlier, a separate drone strike destroyed an oil processing site in the city of Dnipro. That facility belonged to Bunge. The massive agribusiness is based in the United States.

The Dnipro attack caused roughly 300 tons of oil to spill onto major roadways, completely halting traffic. Local officials said the toxic spill forced street closures for several days.

Following the latest factory strike, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha criticized the attacks. According to United24Media, Sybiha stated that destroying American property shows a complete lack of respect for international peace efforts.