Key facts
- One of Ukraine's largest vodka plants, the Khortytsia Distillery, was destroyed by a Russian attack on Aug. 27.
- The distillery, owned by U.S.-headquartered Global Spirits, was hit multiple times, causing a significant fire.
- Approximately 3 million to 4 million bottles of spirits were lost.
- This is not the first time Global Spirits has been targeted; its main warehouse was damaged in July.
- The attack on Zaporizhzhia also damaged the Zaporizhstal steel plant.
One of Ukraine's largest vodka plants, the Khortytsia Distillery, was destroyed beyond repair following a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast on August 27. The facility, launched in 2003 by the U.S.-headquartered Ukrainian firm Global Spirits, was struck four times, leading to a three-hour fire and the loss of an estimated 3 million to 4 million bottles of spirits. Some products were completely destroyed, while others partially melted.
The Kyiv Independent reported that the company stated it had already paid excise taxes on the lost products. The Khortytsia Distillery is a significant asset for Global Spirits, described as the most high-tech distillery in Eastern Europe and one of the largest globally, employing 500 people. Due to Zaporizhzhia's proximity to the front lines, Global Spirits had previously moved half of the distillery's production to Rivne in 2022.
This incident marks another instance of Global Spirits being targeted, following a severe damage to its main warehouse on July 19, which resulted in losses of approximately Hr 100 million ($2.2 million). The company has stated its resilience despite repeated attacks on its facilities, emphasizing its commitment to continuing operations and supporting Ukraine's economy.
The intensification of economic warfare has seen Ukraine strike Russian oil facilities and Moscow launch widespread attacks on Ukrainian businesses, including retail centers, ports, and industrial sites. Notably, a Russian attack on a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih on August 21 killed at least 16 people. The August 27 attack also damaged the Zaporizhstal steel plant, a major asset of Metinvest, Ukraine's largest metallurgy company, taking it offline. These attacks have contributed to slowing Ukraine's economic growth, though businesses are adapting by diversifying storage and operations.