Russia Accused of Targeting Indian Pharmaceutical Warehouse in Kyiv
On April 13, 2025, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting an Indian pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv, coinciding with the anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Russia. Kusum Healthcare’s warehouse sustained significant damage from a missile attack, highlighting the war’s escalation. The company’s operations in Ukraine remain affected, and fears for the safety of Indian nationals in the area are increasing.
On April 13, 2025, the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi announced that Russia had deliberately targeted a major warehouse owned by Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum Healthcare in Kyiv. This announcement came on the 78th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations, highlighting the ongoing and intensified conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as noted by a representative from Kusum Healthcare.
A missile struck the Kusum warehouse, resulting in significant damage. The Ukrainian Embassy claimed that while Russia professes a ‘special friendship’ with India, it continues to target Indian businesses, destroying essential medicines intended for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Akhilendra Mall, a representative of Kusum Healthcare, confirmed that this location was central to their operations in Ukraine.
Mall reported that the main warehouse was completely destroyed, and the extent of losses has yet to be determined due to ongoing Russian bombardments in various regions. He emphasized the urgency of assessing the damage, noting that significant destruction from Russian attacks currently hinders their evaluation process.
Despite the conflict, the Kusum Healthcare factory in Sumy remains operational, supplying medicines to the Ukrainian market. Mall noted that during the ongoing war, their marketing presence spans across Ukraine. He pointed out the decrease in the Indian community in Sumy, where only a few Indian professionals and students remain, sharing that he is currently the only Indian in the city.
The conflict in Ukraine poses severe risks, as Mall described that the proximity to the Russian border limits the time available to seek shelter during bombings. The continuous attacks not only involve missiles but also feature tank shell fire and drone strikes, illustrating the war’s increasing intensity.
The announcement of the attack coincided with the anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between India and Russia. The Russian Embassy hosted a cycling rally to commemorate the occasion. However, as of the report’s publication, there had been no official response from the Russian Embassy addressing the attack on the pharmaceutical warehouse.
In summary, the Ukrainian Embassy has accused Russia of deliberately targeting an Indian pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv amidst escalating military conflict. The destruction of Kusum Healthcare’s primary warehouse has raised concerns about the safety of Indian businesses and their contributions to public health in Ukraine. The ongoing war’s intensity is evident through the continuous bombardments affecting operations and resident safety.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
