Russian UAVs attacked the Kernel grain elevator in the Khmelnytskyi region: what is known
19 May 20:39
On May 18, 2024, during a nighttime attack by Russian drones in the Khmelnytskyi region, the grain storage complex of the Kernel agricultural holding was damaged.
According to the company’s press service , the drone strikes damaged grain storage silos and warehouses. Some of the grain spilled out as a result of the damage, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
It is important to note that despite significant material damage, none of the company’s employees were injured. This underscores the safety measures implemented at such facilities to protect people during emergencies.
Currently, an assessment of the extent of the damage is underway, and efforts are being made to address the aftermath of the attack. Company representatives are working to restore infrastructure and calculate material losses.
History of attacks on Kernel
This is not the first time that facilities belonging to the Kernel agricultural holding have been targeted.
On the night of May 2–3, Russian drones attacked the port infrastructure in Chornomorsk, Odesa Oblast, damaging a vegetable oil transshipment terminal.
In addition, in August 2024, an oilseed processing plant in western Ukraine was also damaged as a result of a drone attack.
What is known about Kernel
Kernel is one of Ukraine’s largest agricultural holdings and a global leader in the production and export of sunflower oil. The company is also one of Ukraine’s key grain exporters.
The company was founded in 1994–1995. Its headquarters are located in Kyiv, and its shares have been traded on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) since 2007.
Kernel operates in several areas: growing grains and oilseeds, sunflower processing, agricultural exports, as well as logistics and cargo transshipment. The company owns a network of grain elevators, terminals, and logistics infrastructure.
According to the company, Kernel supplies products to more than 60 countries worldwide and accounts for approximately 8–10% of global sunflower oil exports.
The company’s founder and key shareholder is businessman Andriy Verevskyi.
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the company faced export challenges due to the blockade of Ukrainian ports, but continued operations and redirected part of its logistics to Danube routes and land-based exports.
In 2023–2024, disputes arose around Kernel regarding a share buyback and the company’s potential delisting from the stock exchange. Some minority shareholders accused management of violating their rights.
