Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was reportedly struck by five Russian missile attacks yesterday, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes caused significant damage to the city’s energy infrastructure. In a separate incident, a facility owned by Bunge, an American agricultural products company, was also targeted in the southeastern city of Dnipro.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that the attack on the Bunge facility, which resulted in a sunflower oil leak, underscores the fact that Russian forces are deliberately targeting American businesses operating in Ukraine.
“This was not a mistake, but a deliberate act, as the Russians have attempted to strike this facility multiple times. Russia is systematically targeting American companies in Ukraine,” Sybiha wrote on X. He further added that the attacks demonstrate “Putin’s complete disregard for the peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump. This is precisely why the peace process must be pushed forward.”
Ihor Terekhov, the Mayor of Kharkiv, stated that the attacks on the city are “not just an attack on facilities, but an attack on heating, water, and the normal lives of people. They are trying to break us with fear and darkness.” Terekhov did not provide specific details about the targets that were hit.
The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that at least one civilian was injured in the attack.
In Dnipro, Mayor Borys Filatov reported that the attack on the Bunge facility led to a leak of 300 tons of sunflower oil. “Utility workers are currently cleaning up, spreading sand and gravel,” Filatov wrote on Telegram, adding that the spill would close a major riverside road for two to three days.
DZWatch is following this developing story and will provide updates as they become available.
