Kernel halts all oilseed crushing plants after Russian strikes

Kernel has shut down all its oilseed crushing plants following Russian attacks, RBC-Ukraine reported, citing the company's press service. Kernel said Russian drones had struck processing facilities in Ukraine, including its assets, in recent days, damaging production buildings, equipment and storage tanks.

The company said oilseed processing involves a continuous production cycle with a heightened fire risk. A strike on operating equipment could cause a major fire and endanger workers, prompting the shutdown. Kernel said safety shutdown procedures had been completed at all its facilities and all employees were in safe conditions.

Kernel also said it had suspended all seed purchases but continued shipping existing warehouse stocks and meeting its commitments to Ukrainian farmers and partners in full. It said it remained operationally and financially stable despite the processing halt.

RBC-Ukraine's report did not specify when the plants stopped operating, their number or locations, or a timetable for restarting production.