Russian drones targeted a fruit processing facility owned by a Polish company in western Ukraine, resulting in casualties and a risk of ammonia release. The attack occurred in the morning hours, with part of the staff already present at the site. Regional authorities confirmed the impact of the strike.
The incident in Maniewicze, located in the Volyn region around 100 kilometers from the Polish border, affected the company Ahrofrukt LTD. According to Oleksandr Havryliuk, head of the Maniewicze territorial community, the attack has led to concerns regarding a potential ammonia leak due to the strike, as reported by Interfax Ukraine.
Ammonia is a hazardous chemical with a sharp odor that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, potentially causing severe poisoning. Residents of Maniewicze have been advised to securely close their windows and doors.
Roman Romaniuk, the chairman of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, provided updates about the consequences of the attack via Telegram.
Sławomir Polkowski, co-owner of Polko Group, which owns the affected facility, confirmed the incident during a conversation. He stated that the strike occurred around 8 AM local time, and only a portion of the employees were present at the plant at the time.
Polko Group: Operations Suspended at Ahrofrukt
Polkowski informed that firefighters and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine are not allowing anyone to enter the facility due to an ongoing fire. “Currently, we do not know the extent of the damage. […] Firefighters and the State Emergency Service are not permitting access to the site because of the fire,” Polkowski explained. Operations at the facility have been temporarily halted. The company is providing assistance to the family of the deceased and injured employees.
Polkowski also addressed the broader context of Russian strikes on industrial facilities in Ukraine. “These are yet more attacks from their side. […] There have already been strikes in Kyiv, Chernihiv, and previously in Shostka. Cooling facilities and others are also often targets. There is a likelihood that any business is at risk,” he commented.
The Polko Group is a family business engaged in the trade and processing of fruits and mushrooms, existing in the market since 1989. Its headquarters and storage facility are located in Poland, 20 kilometers from Warsaw, while production and processing take place in Ukraine.
Ahrofrukt LTD, part of the Polko Group, has been operating in Ukraine since 2001 and is a leading exporter of organic berries in the country, supplying products to various clients, including those in Poland. The enterprise collaborates with local farmers, purchasing crops from plantations across five districts in the Volyn region.
Shahed Drones Strike in Lutsk Community
The chair of the Volyn region authorities reported that Shahed-type drones also struck Lutsk community, damaging a garage and igniting a barn. Preliminary reports indicate that no one was injured in those structures.
In Volyn, 270,000 customers remain without electricity. Authorities have resumed operations at stationary resilience points, special places where residents can warm up, charge electronic devices, and maintain communication during prolonged power outages. Critical infrastructure facilities are operating on reserve power sources.
