Strike on the Chornobaivka Poultry Complex
Multiple guided aerial bombs struck the Chornobaivka poultry farm in the Kherson region, triggering a massive fire that destroyed a large portion of the production facility. Early estimates place the damage at hundreds of millions of dollars. The farm, part of the Ukrlandfarming group of companies, is owned by the Avangard agro-holding, which belongs to businessman Oleh Bakhmatyuk. This attack highlights the ongoing vulnerability of agricultural infrastructure in conflict zones.
Previous Attacks and Their Toll
This is not the first time the facility has been targeted. Shortly after the full-scale invasion began, the farm was completely cut off from power and blockaded by occupying forces. The blockade prevented feed deliveries and routine maintenance, leading to the deaths of 4.7 million birds. During the occupation, Russian troops fully looted the site, stripping it of modern equipment and vehicles while demolishing key infrastructure.
Initially, the company estimated direct losses at 800 million Ukrainian hryvnias. By December 2022, that figure was revised upward to roughly 12 billion hryvnias (about $330 million), accounting for the lost birds, foregone egg revenue, and stolen machinery. The mass death of over 4 million chickens prompted law enforcement to open a criminal case under Article 441 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which covers ecocide.
Following the de-occupation of the Kherson region, the Ukrlandfarming group resumed operations at the complex. Despite the severe damage and ongoing challenges, the enterprise continues to function, though it faces new hurdles in the wake of the latest bombing.
This attack on the Chornobaivka poultry farm underscores the persistent threats to agricultural businesses in active combat zones and the broader implications for Ukraine's food security.
The ability to restart production after de-occupation demonstrates the resilience of these enterprises. However, repeated incidents like this could significantly hinder the recovery of the agricultural sector, which has already suffered immense losses due to the war. Tracking such events provides insight into the regional economy's overall health and highlights the need for additional support to rebuild critical infrastructure.