Russia Denies Missile Strike on Indian Pharma Warehouse in Kyiv Amid Rising Ukraine Tensions
April 12, 2025 — Kyiv, Ukraine
A diplomatic row is brewing following a missile strike in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, which reportedly destroyed a warehouse belonging to Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum Healthcare. Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately targeting the facility, while Moscow has denied any involvement, deepening tensions amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
This incident, involving one of India’s prominent companies operating in Ukraine, has sparked widespread concern in the international community and raised serious questions about the safety of foreign enterprises functioning in active war zones.
What Happened?
According to a statement released by the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi, a Russian missile struck a warehouse used by Kusum Healthcare on April 12. The company, which has significant operations in Ukraine, including manufacturing and distribution units, confirmed that one of its facilities was severely damaged.
The warehouse was reportedly stocked with critical medicines, including those intended for children and elderly patients. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported, as the warehouse was unoccupied at the time of the explosion.
Ukraine accused Russia of intentionally targeting Indian-owned infrastructure to send a geopolitical message, stating that the strike goes against Moscow’s claim of being a friend to India.
Ukraine’s Official Stand
In a strongly worded statement, the Ukrainian Embassy condemned the missile strike, calling it an “unprovoked attack on humanitarian infrastructure.” The embassy added that “Russia’s actions contradict its repeated assertions of friendship with India” and that such attacks on civilian facilities are in violation of international humanitarian law.
The embassy also emphasized that the destroyed medicines were essential supplies meant for those most vulnerable — primarily children and elderly patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
Ukrainian officials called for international support and urged India to condemn the strike. The statement ended with a plea for “peace and justice” in a time of growing devastation.
Russia’s Response: “We Didn’t Do It”
Responding to Ukraine’s accusations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations and said Russia does not target civilian infrastructure, especially facilities belonging to foreign nations. He blamed the damage on Ukraine’s own air defense systems, which, he claimed, misfired and led to the destruction of the warehouse.
“We have consistently maintained that Russian military operations are focused only on legitimate military targets. Any collateral damage resulting from Ukrainian air defense failures cannot be attributed to Russia,” Peskov said during a press briefing.
He also reiterated Russia’s longstanding diplomatic and trade relationship with India, labeling it as a “strategic partner” and stating that Moscow has no reason to harm Indian interests.
About Kusum Healthcare
Kusum Healthcare is a major Indian pharmaceutical company with a long-standing presence in Eastern Europe. It operates multiple manufacturing and R&D facilities in Ukraine and is a key supplier of essential medicines in the region.
Despite the ongoing war, the company has continued operations in Ukraine under challenging circumstances. Its Kyiv warehouse was a central storage point for drugs catering to hospitals and medical institutions across Ukraine.
The company issued a brief statement following the incident, confirming the destruction of the warehouse and assuring stakeholders that no employees were harmed. Kusum also said it was working on restoring operations as soon as possible.
India’s Position: Cautious and Neutral
India has so far not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the government is seeking detailed reports from its embassy in Kyiv and is in touch with Kusum Healthcare for more clarity.
India has maintained a neutral stance throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, refraining from direct condemnation of Moscow while consistently calling for diplomacy and peaceful resolution.
Analysts believe the latest incident may test India’s balancing act. “If it is proven that Russia was indeed behind the strike, New Delhi might face pressure to issue a stronger response than before,” said international affairs expert Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.
Business in a War Zone: Indian Pharma’s Challenges
The destruction of Kusum’s warehouse highlights the risks faced by foreign companies operating in conflict zones. Indian pharmaceutical companies, in particular, have kept their operations alive in both Ukraine and Russia, largely because medical supplies are exempt from sanctions.
With Ukraine’s healthcare system strained due to the war, Indian pharma companies have played a critical role in delivering life-saving medicines. However, this latest attack has raised concerns over whether continuing business in a war-torn region is worth the growing risk.
Several Indian companies are now reportedly reviewing their safety protocols and insurance coverage for infrastructure and staff working in Eastern Europe.
Global Implications
This incident carries several global ramifications:
- India-Russia Relations: While Russia denies involvement, the targeting of Indian assets, intentional or not, may strain bilateral ties.
- India-Ukraine Support: India may be compelled to offer additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine or show more vocal support for non-military solutions.
- Foreign Investment in Conflict Zones: The event may lead companies across the globe to reassess their operations in countries experiencing conflict, regardless of humanitarian exemption.
Human rights organizations have also voiced concern, arguing that targeting any civilian infrastructure — especially one serving medical needs — is unacceptable in any context.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the international community is closely watching India’s response. The United Nations has yet to comment specifically on the incident, although it has consistently urged both Russia and Ukraine to minimize civilian harm.
Meanwhile, Kusum Healthcare is assessing the full scale of the damage and considering relocating operations to safer areas within Ukraine or other neighboring countries.
Indian diplomatic missions in Kyiv and Moscow are actively monitoring developments and working to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens and businesses in the region.
Conclusion
The reported missile strike on Kusum Healthcare’s warehouse in Kyiv is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of war and its impact on neutral parties. Whether Russia was directly responsible or not, the destruction of a civilian facility belonging to a non-combatant nation like India has set off alarms in the international community.
As Ukraine continues to face devastating attacks and Russia maintains its denial, India finds itself in a diplomatically delicate position. Balancing strategic interests, business security, and its global image as a peace advocate will be India’s next major challenge.
