Russian Drone Strike Hits Indian Pharma Plant in Ukraine Again, One Killed

An Indian pharmaceutical company operating in Ukraine has suffered another serious setback after a Russian drone strike heavily damaged its manufacturing facility in Sumy. The attack reportedly killed one employee and left several others injured, according to Kusum Healthcare.

The latest incident marks the second major attack on the company’s Ukrainian operations in roughly 18 months. Kusum said the financial impact of the latest destruction could exceed $50 million (around Rs 400 crore), adding to losses already suffered during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Kusum has been producing medicines in Ukraine since 2009 and supplies essential pharmaceutical products to Ukraine as well as neighbouring Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. The company condemned the latest strike, arguing that its facility was a civilian pharmaceutical site involved in producing life-saving medicines rather than a military installation.

The company said its Sumy manufacturing plant was severely damaged in what it described as a repeat attack. The incident came shortly after the anniversary of an earlier strike that destroyed its warehouse on April 14, 2025.

Kusum said one employee was confirmed dead at the site, while several workers sustained injuries. The company described the latest incident as a direct attack on a private healthcare business operating amid wartime conditions.

Kusum Raises Questions Over Indian Government Response

Alongside condemning the attack, Kusum expressed frustration over what it called the lack of visible support from the Government of India.

The company said it had previously approached pharmaceutical industry bodies and sought diplomatic intervention to protect Indian-owned private businesses involved in essential healthcare operations in Ukraine.

Kusum alleged that despite its repeated appeals, it had not received a public expression of support or regret from New Delhi.

The company also operates pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, and Indore, Madhya Pradesh, but its Ukrainian operations have faced repeated disruption because of the war.

Ukraine Embassy Condemns Strike

The Embassy of Ukraine in India also criticised the attack, arguing that the facility was not a military target. In a statement shared on X, the embassy said the strike demonstrated the continuing danger faced by civilian infrastructure during the conflict.

The latest damage leaves Kusum facing another major financial and operational challenge as the company attempts to maintain pharmaceutical supplies while continuing business amid the war.

Key Takeaways

• Russian drone strike severely damaged Kusum’s pharmaceutical facility in Sumy, Ukraine.
• One employee was killed and several others were injured.
• Kusum estimates losses from the latest attack at more than $50 million.
• The company’s Ukrainian warehouse was destroyed in another drone strike in April 2025.
• Kusum has urged greater diplomatic support from the Indian government.