Ukraine claims Russian missile attack strikes Indian pharma company's godown in Kyiv

The Ukrainian embassy in India claimed on Saturday that a Russian missile struck the warehouse of Kusum, an Indian pharmaceutical company, in Kyiv. The incident has sparked fresh diplomatic concern, with Ukraine accusing Russia of deliberately targeting Indian businesses operating on Ukrainian soil.

"Today, a Russian missile struck the warehouse of Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine," the Ukrainian embassy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "While claiming 'special friendship' with India, Moscow deliberately targets Indian businesses — destroying medicines meant for children and the elderly."

The warehouse reportedly housed critical medical supplies, and the destruction has raised alarm over the safety of Indian investments in the region amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Adding to the allegations, British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris posted on X that a Russian drone strike destroyed a major pharmaceuticals warehouse in Kyiv on the same morning. While he did not confirm the identity of the company, Harris said the attack “incinerated stocks of medicines needed by the elderly and children.”

“This morning Russian drones completely destroyed a major pharmaceuticals warehouse in Kyiv, incinerating stocks of medicines needed by the elderly and children. Russia's campaign of terror against Ukrainian civilians continues," Harris wrote.

So far, there has been no official statement from Moscow regarding the alleged strike on the Kusum warehouse. Nor has the Indian government issued a formal response, though the incident may prompt diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Moscow.

Kusum, the pharmaceutical company in question, is headquartered in India and has been operating in Ukraine for years, supplying essential medicines across the country. The extent of the damage and whether there were any injuries is yet to be confirmed.