Japan’s sole cigarette maker denied involvement in military production after Russia attacked its group factory in central Ukraine, claiming it was manufacturing ammunition for Ukrainian forces.
Russia’s defense ministry said on Oct. 7 that it had struck a factory that Japan Tobacco Inc.’s overseas subsidiary operates in Kremenchuk, Ukraine.
In response to an inquiry from The Asahi Shimbun, a JT spokesperson declined to comment on whether the attack occurred or on the extent of damage.
A previous attack in September had forced the factory to suspend production, damaging part of its equipment, the spokesperson said.
In August, a warehouse in Kyiv Oblast where the company’s products are stored was also hit.
Russia has repeatedly struck tobacco-related facilities in Ukraine since summer.
A prominent Russian military blogger suggested in September that a decline in tobacco output, which generates substantial tax revenue for Ukraine, would have a long-term negative impact on the country’s economy.
Beyond the tobacco industry, the Russian military has targeted foreign-affiliated companies in Ukraine with no confirmed direct links to military activities.
The apparent aim is to deter foreign businesses from investing or operating in the country, thereby dealing a blow to the local economy.
Since August, facilities affiliated with U.S. food and beverage giant PepsiCo and U.S. confectionery maker Mondelez International have come under attack.