Trump Administration's Response to Russian Strikes on American Businesses in Ukraine

Ukrainian rescuers work at a Coca-Cola factory hit by a Russian strike in the Kyiv region on September 3, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As President Donald Trump and his administration have increased pressure on Ukraine to cease strikes on Russian refineries, citing harm to American consumers, they have not publicly addressed recent Russian strikes on U.S. businesses in Ukraine. Russia has intensified its attacks on facilities associated with American corporations and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine over the past several months. According to Andy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, Russian missiles and drones have damaged facilities belonging to notable American brands, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, McDonald's, and Oreo. Hunder stated, "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." He emphasized the need for action, saying, "We need this to stop because these are American interests, American money, American investors that are being hit and are being targeted." When a Russian drone struck a Coca-Cola factory outside Kyiv in early September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that the attack was a "clear signal" to the U.S. He noted, "Coca-Cola has become such an enemy to them that they’re burning it down with their Shaheds," referring to Iranian-designed drones. Zelensky added, "This is a clear signal from Russia to America. The Russians cannot possibly be unaware that this is an American enterprise." Later that month, a Russian drone destroyed a warehouse used by McDonald's, which confirmed the damage in a statement. Zelensky criticized the attack, stating, "An attack drone – against ordinary food products. The Russians are constantly expanding their escalation operation: American and other businesses, data centers, internet providers – for Russia, ordinary life in and of itself is simply a target." McDonald's Ukraine reported that its restaurants are now offering a reduced menu due to the damage. PepsiCo acknowledged that a production facility in the Mykolaiv region was damaged, but there were no casualties. There is no consensus among U.S. businesses in Ukraine regarding public discussion of the attacks, with some wanting to raise awareness while others prefer to remain cautious. Several Democratic lawmakers have urged the White House to take stronger action to protect American businesses in Ukraine and to address Moscow's actions. The Chamber of Commerce meets with visiting U.S. lawmakers from both parties in Kyiv and has requested that they raise these issues with the White House. President Trump previously expressed dissatisfaction regarding a Russian strike on a U.S. electronics factory, stating he communicated this to Russian President Vladimir Putin. A White House official indicated that Trump aims for an end to the war and believes the U.S. can play a constructive role in achieving peace. However, the administration's lack of condemnation regarding the strikes contrasts with its warnings to Ukraine about targeting Russian energy infrastructure. In February, it was reported that the administration had cautioned Kyiv that its strikes on a Russian Black Sea oil facility had affected U.S. investments in Kazakhstan. Recently, Trump has attributed rising fuel prices to Ukraine's strikes on Russian diesel facilities. Last Friday, he announced a deal to waive sanctions and purchase diesel from Russia, which is in defiance of U.S. law. The U.S. has also threatened to limit intelligence sharing and munitions for Ukraine if Kyiv does not cease its strikes. Hunder expressed confusion over the administration's silence on the attacks, noting that businesses expect their government to protect them, especially from foreign military actions.