During a recent visit to Ukraine, U.S. senators expressed concerns that Russia is intentionally targeting American companies operating in the country amidst the ongoing conflict. Co-chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen, highlighted that approximately 50% of American businesses have been affected by Russian strikes.
Speaking at a briefing in Odesa on February 18, Shaheen noted the significant presence of American firms in the region, revealing that 79% of these companies have experienced attacks. “American businesses are clearly under assault, just like their Ukrainian counterparts. Entrepreneurs report being targeted specifically as American enterprises,” she stated.
Senator Richard Blumenthal echoed Shaheen’s sentiments, emphasizing the direct and brazen nature of these attacks. “American companies are being attacked indiscriminately. Putin is striking at American businesses, targeting industrial sites, terminals, and office buildings with drones and missiles. I commend the American businesses that continue to operate in this market during wartime,” he remarked.
Currently, around 600 American companies are functioning in Ukraine despite the ongoing war. Earlier this week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Russia’s inconsistent stance, noting that while the Kremlin previously sought to ‘reset’ economic relations with the United States under the Trump administration, it simultaneously attacks American interests in Ukraine.
Sybiha argued that Russia’s military actions demonstrate that its purported offers for economic cooperation are merely a façade aimed at undermining U.S. influence in Europe. He referred to these proposals as a “Potemkin village” designed to buy time while attacking American interests.
In August 2025, following a Russian strike on an American facility in Transcarpathia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia has never intentionally targeted non-military facilities in Ukraine.
U.S. senators have reported that Russian forces are deliberately attacking American businesses in Ukraine, with significant impacts on operations. The situation raises concerns about Russia's intentions regarding economic relations with the U.S., as officials argue these attacks contradict any claims of cooperation.