In a tragic escalation of hostilities, a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, has killed over 100 dairy cows and destroyed vital farm infrastructure. The attack, which marks the second on the same facility this year, highlights the mounting toll of war on Ukraine’s agricultural economy.
A Russian drone assault on a dairy farm in the village of Mokra Rokytna has killed over 100 cows and razed multiple agricultural structures in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The farm, a member facility of the Ukrainian Agri Council—a national organization representing agricultural producers—was struck in the early hours of April 28, 2025.
The Ukrainian Agri Council confirmed the devastating incident, noting that ten drones launched by Russian forces inflicted severe damage on the property, which housed 281 dairy cows. At least 100 animals are confirmed dead, with the final count pending further debris clearance.
According to Andrii Dykun, Chair of the Ukrainian Agri Council, “The Russian Federation continues their reign of terror on the civilian population and the targeted destruction of Ukrainian agro-enterprises.” The strike damaged or destroyed three cowsheds, a calf barn, administrative buildings, storage units, and essential agricultural equipment.
Farm director Oleksandr Krasovsky of Agro Service SG revealed that this was the second attack on the enterprise. “The first strike occurred on February 23, 2024. We repaired everything. This time, some of the Shaheds had shrapnel charges. Many animals are suffering from shrapnel wounds.”
Dmytro Shchedrin, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland, condemned the attack as part of a broader pattern. “Russian forces frequently target agricultural facilities in Kharkiv due to its border proximity,” he stated. He emphasized that agriculture constitutes 10% of Ukraine’s economy, and such strikes aim to destabilize its foundation.
The broader impact of the war on Ukraine’s agricultural sector is staggering. According to the World Bank Group’s Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, the total damage to the sector has reached USD 11.2 billion, with overall economic losses to agriculture estimated at USD 72.7 billion. These include the destruction of livestock, machinery, aquaculture, and storage infrastructure, as well as soaring production costs and reduced income.
This latest attack underscores the mounting human and economic toll of the ongoing war, particularly on Ukraine’s vital farming industry.
