A Russian missile struck the warehouse of an Indian pharmaceutical company, Kusum, in Kyiv on Sunday, according to Ukrainian authorities. The country’s embassy in India accused Russia of deliberately targeting Indian businesses in Ukraine, emphasizing the destruction of critical medicines intended for children and the elderly. The strike is being described as an act of aggression in line with Moscow’s continued campaign in Ukraine.
The embassy’s statement claimed that the missile attack specifically targeted Kusum’s warehouse, a leading Indian pharmaceutical firm in Ukraine. Kusum, owned by Indian businessman Rajiv Gupta, is known for producing essential medications widely used across the country. Reports indicate that the warehouse was hit by a missile, destroying crucial stocks of medicines, thereby exacerbating an already strained healthcare system in Ukraine.
However, there appears to be some discrepancy regarding the specifics of the attack. Britain’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, posted on social media, stating that Russian drones, not missiles, were responsible for the destruction of the pharmaceutical warehouse. Harris shared images of the scene, showing smoke rising from the building and emergency services responding to the damage. He condemned Russia’s actions, describing it as part of a broader “campaign of terror” against civilians, with crucial medicines for the elderly and children now lost.
While Ukraine’s embassy in India condemned Russia for the alleged deliberate targeting of Indian businesses, it is clear that both Ukrainian and British officials have unified in their criticism of the attack. “Russia’s campaign of terror against Ukrainian civilians continues,” Harris added, emphasizing the need for accountability and international attention to these ongoing war crimes.
In an unrelated development, earlier on Sunday, Russia’s Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of violating a moratorium on energy facility strikes. Russia alleged that Ukraine had launched five attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in the past 24 hours, continuing the cycle of retaliation and conflict between the two nations.
India, while maintaining its neutral stance, has called for peace and an end to the violence in Ukraine. Despite this, India has significantly increased its importation of Russian oil, capitalizing on discounted prices due to Western sanctions imposed on Russia. Russia continues to be a major source of crude oil for India, with millions of barrels imported monthly.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian challenges, and the destruction of vital pharmaceutical supplies further underscores the devastating toll this war continues to inflict on both civilians and international business operations.
As the war in Ukraine persists, both political and economic ramifications are felt worldwide, with countries like India navigating complex relationships with Russia amidst the global conflict.
Sources By Agencies
