Gambiaj.com – (KYIV, Ukraine) – Russia’s intensifying attacks on American-owned businesses in Ukraine are drawing criticism over what critics describe as a lack of response from the administration of US President Donald Trump, even as Washington pressures Kyiv to stop striking Russian energy facilities.
Russian missiles and drones have damaged facilities linked to major US companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s, in recent months, according to Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.
Hunder told CNN that the scale and frequency of the attacks were unprecedented in recent months, saying they appeared to send a message that American businesses were being deliberately targeted.
“This is a direct hit with drones and missiles, and they keep hitting them. It’s sending a message that they’re targeting American business. We’re not seeing any response from the White House,” Hunder said.
A Coca-Cola factory outside Kyiv was struck by a Russian drone in early September. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a “clear signal” to the United States, arguing that Moscow could not be unaware that the facility belonged to an American company.
Later in September, a drone damaged a warehouse used by McDonald’s in the Kyiv region. McDonald’s Ukraine confirmed the incident, saying the facility was operated by one of its logistics partners. The company said the damage forced its restaurants to operate with a reduced menu.
PepsiCo also acknowledged in August that a production facility in the Mykolaiv region had been damaged, although no casualties were reported.
Pressure on Kyiv
The attacks have taken place as the Trump administration has increased pressure on Ukraine to halt strikes against Russian oil and diesel infrastructure.
Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities for contributing to higher fuel prices, and, according to CNN, Washington has threatened to restrict intelligence sharing and ammunition supplies if Kyiv does not stop the strikes.
The contrast has frustrated American business representatives in Ukraine, who say Washington has been more vocal about the impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure than Russian attacks affecting US companies.
“Any company, any business, wants to have some sort of protection. You would expect your government to stand up in your corner and fight the fight with you, especially if it’s a foreign military that is attacking the American companies,” Hunder said.
Several Democratic lawmakers have urged the White House to respond more forcefully to the attacks, while Ukraine has cited the incidents as an additional argument for stronger air defense to protect foreign businesses operating in the country.
White House Focused on Ending War
The Trump administration has not publicly indicated that it intends to adopt a tougher position over the attacks on US companies.
A White House official said Trump wants the war to end and remains committed to efforts aimed at securing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
The official said the president and his team were committed to playing a “constructive role” in negotiations with both sides.
Hunder said the American Chamber of Commerce has sought meetings with senior Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to brief them on the situation facing US businesses in Ukraine, including the recent attacks.
He said the chamber received no response.
For American companies operating in Ukraine, the attacks have therefore created an unusual situation: their facilities are being damaged in a war involving a US ally, while Washington simultaneously presses that ally to limit attacks against Russian infrastructure.
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