Senate cites Philip Morris strike in Kharkiv as evidence of Russia targeting US businesses
Photo: Philip Morris factory in Kharkiv shown in the US Senate (screenshot from video)
During the US Senate's consideration of Senator Lindsey Graham's bill to tighten sanctions on Russia, Senator Jeanne Shaheen cited Russia's attack on the Philip Morris factory in Kharkiv as an example of Russian strikes targeting American businesses in Ukraine, according to a live broadcast of the Senate session.
Russia targets American businesses in Ukraine
In her remarks, Shaheen stressed that Russia has long been deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in an attempt to break the will of the Ukrainian people. She added that Moscow has also been striking American companies operating in Ukraine.
During her speech, the senator displayed a photograph from the Philip Morris factory in Kharkiv, which was damaged in a Russian attack.
"This is a rescue worker at the Philip Morris factory in Kharkiv. They've attacked Coca-Cola, Cargill, Mondelēz and other American companies that have been deliberately hit," she said.
Shaheen also said that during meetings with representatives of American businesses operating in Ukraine, they had expressed their belief that Russian strikes on their facilities were deliberate.
Why sanctions against Russia matter for business
According to the senator, economic pressure is the only language the Kremlin understands, which is why Congress should pass the bill imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran.
"President Zelenskyy supports this bill. Anything that reduces Russia's revenues reduces the ability for Russia to continue the war against Ukraine," Jeanne Shaheen said, urging her colleagues to pass the legislation with bipartisan support.
During her speech, a photograph of the Philip Morris factory in Kharkiv taken after the Russian strike on the facility was displayed on screen.
The senator used the image to illustrate that Russia's aggression is aimed not only at Ukraine's civilian infrastructure but also at international businesses that continue to operate in the country.
How Philip Morris has operated in Ukraine during the war
Philip Morris Ukraine is one of the largest American investors in the country. Since 1994, the company has invested more than $750 million in Ukraine's economy.
In the first half of 2026, the company paid UAH 31.7 billion in taxes, making it Ukraine's largest taxpayer.
Philip Morris Ukraine's factory in Kharkiv has remained suspended since February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
In 2024, Philip Morris Ukraine opened a new factory in the Lviv region after investing $30 million in the project. Around 250 employees from the Kharkiv factory were relocated to the new facility.
During Russia's overnight attack on July 8, 2026, Philip Morris Ukraine's finished goods warehouse in Kyiv was completely destroyed. It was the fourth strike on the company's facilities since the start of the full-scale invasion.
