A recent wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, including Kyiv and the surrounding region, caused severe damage not only to civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, but also to numerous businesses. Among those affected were the producers of the unique spirits Ruta Balm and Honey Badger, well known both in Ukraine and abroad, as well as Artania, a Kyiv wine bar specializing exclusively in Ukrainian wines.

“Just yesterday, we posted a video from the Kyiv Food and Wine Festival held on Kyiv Day. It was such a joyful event – people were tasting our drinks and singing Chervona Ruta together (one of Ukraine’s most popular songs). Today, however, we have sad news. Our warehouse has been completely destroyed,” says Oleh Levchenko, co-owner of Ruta Balm.

Ruta is a craft bitter made from 96 herbs and plants collected from various regions of Ukraine. Produced using a proprietary method inspired by traditional Ukrainian recipes, it has earned a loyal following both at home and internationally, as well as numerous awards and praise from industry experts.

Oleh Levchenko

“The premises where we stored our products, together with those by Honey Badger, who own the warehouse, have been completely destroyed,” Levchenko explains. “Fortunately, the production facility is located in another part of the building and suffered only minor damage. However, we are currently unable to operate because there is no electricity or water.”

Recovery will not be easy, and Ruta Balm is seeking support. Donations can be made here:
https://send.monobank.ua/jar/5f6LrARLhc

“This morning was so warm and sunny. Our younger son turned one month old. It was my birthday. We enjoyed family hugs, made plans, living our ordinary life – the life we hold onto so tightly. Then a ‘greeting’ was delivered by the aggressor,” wrote Honey Badger’s co-founder Artem Skubenko on social media.

The attack completely destroyed the company’s warehouse, resulting in the loss of more than 30,000 bottles of traditional Ukrainian fruit liqueurs, infused spirits, and gins. The products combine family recipes and Ukrainian traditions with modern techniques and approaches, all made from fruit grown in the company’s own orchards and honey sourced from its family apiary. 

“These drinks are the result of enormous effort, time, and love from our entire team. Most importantly, no one was injured. For that, I thank God above all else. Our production facility survived. That means we will continue working despite the exhaustion, pain, and losses. We cannot be broken. Today I have only one wish: that our people remain alive and healthy. Everything else we will rebuild,” says Skubenko.

Honey Badger’s spirits have won numerous awards in Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, including gold medals from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London and both Gold and Doodle Gold awards at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco – the first Ukrainian producer to achieve the latter distinction.

The company exports to Poland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and other markets, regularly participates in international trade fairs, and continues to expand its export footprint.

Now that the production site sustained only minor damage, Honey Badger plans to resume operations quickly. To support recovery, the company has launched a pre-sale of its limited-edition Blackcurrant Nalivka under a “Pay Now, Drink Later” model.

“This bottle represents our most distinct product that we will make from the future harvest of our orchard. By purchasing it now, you help us restart production and rebuild what has been destroyed,” explains Skubenko.

Pre-sale:
https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/honeybadger

Donations for recovery:
https://send.monobank.ua/jar/3JoCbMEgbd

Artania, the flagship wine bar of Beykush Winery, has become a true gathering place for Ukrainian wine lovers in Kyiv’s historic Podil district. The venue offers guests an opportunity to discover not only Beykush wines but also some of the finest examples from wineries across Ukraine.

“Another Russian attack did not pass us by. During the night, we learned that Podil had been hit and that our bar had been damaged. Once the attack ended, we came to inspect the site, and what we saw was heartbreaking. But we will rebuild. We will repair everything. We will overcome this. Ukrainians cannot be broken,” wrote Svitlana Tsybak, CEO of Beykush Winery, on Facebook.

“Fortunately, nobody was hurt because the attack occurred at night. We will complete the repairs quickly and look forward to welcoming guests back for a glass of the finest Ukrainian wine,” added Yevhen Shneideris, founder of Beykush Winery and Artania.

The post was reportedly pushed down in Facebook feeds twice because of a colorful hashtag expressing Ukrainians’ attitude toward the aggressor. Yet the message remained clear.

Artania has since completed repairs and resumed operations under the slogan “Damaged, but not broken,” inviting guests to stop by for a glass of Ukrainian wine –preferably more than one.

The Drinks+ editorial team wishes all affected Ukrainian producers a swift recovery and encourages readers to support them through donations or by purchasing a bottle of their outstanding Ukrainian products.

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• Artania
• Beykush Winery
• Honey Badger
• International Wine & Spirit Competition
• IWSC
• Oleh Levchenko
• RUTA balm
• Svitlana Tsybak