Russia Denies Striking Indian Pharma Plant in Ukraine

News Update, April 17, 2025 20.35 IST

In a dramatic development, the Russian Armed Forces have denied allegations that they attacked Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum's plant in Ukraine. The Russian Embassy to India has issued an official clarification, asserting that Russian forces have never targeted or struck civilian facilities during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

"The Russian Armed Forces categorically deny any involvement in attacks on the Kusum pharmaceutical facility in Ukraine," the embassy statement read. "Russia maintains a strict policy of avoiding civilian infrastructure targets throughout military operations."

The denial comes amid growing international concern about the incident, which has raised questions about the safety of foreign investments in the conflict zone. Kusum Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company with significant operations in Ukraine, has not yet issued a public response to the Russian statement.

This development adds to the complex diplomatic situation surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly as it affects third-party nations with business interests in the region.

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News Published, April 13, 2025, 9.10 IST

Indian Pharma Warehouse Destroyed in Kyiv Strike; Ukraine Alleges Deliberate Targeting

An Indian pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv, operated by Kusum Healthcare, was destroyed in an airstrike amid ongoing Russian attacks across Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities claimed the facility was deliberately targeted, accusing Russia of aiming at Indian-owned businesses that supply essential medicines for vulnerable populations.

The Ukrainian embassy in India condemned the attack, asserting it was a calculated strike on Kusum’s facility, which stored medicines for children and the elderly. Kusum, led by Indian entrepreneur Rajiv Gupta, is one of Ukraine’s major pharma suppliers, playing a critical role in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

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Initial reports suggested a missile strike; however, sources later indicated a drone was responsible. The warehouse reportedly suffered a direct hit, resulting in the total loss of medical supplies.

Although Ukraine maintains that the strike was intentional, Russia has not commented on the incident. The attack has sparked concerns about the safety of foreign-owned infrastructure in conflict zones, especially those involved in humanitarian supply chains.

This incident also comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, with Kyiv highlighting contradictions in Moscow's claimed goodwill toward India while allegedly attacking Indian assets on Ukrainian soil