Indian-Run Kusum Pharma Plant In Ukraine Hit By Russian Drones, 1 Killed

An Indian-run Kusum Group pharmaceutical plant in Ukraine’s Sumy region was largely destroyed in a Russian drone attack, killing one person and injuring several others, according to reports. The main structure of the facility was severely damaged, while visuals showed a huge plume of smoke rising from the site. Ukrainian officials said the casualty figures could change as rescue and assessment operations continue.

The facility’s losses are estimated at at least Rs 400 crore. The Sumy plant had continued operating through much of the Russia-Ukraine war before being hit in the latest attack. Kusum Group’s Delhi office declined to comment when contacted, while its email queries remained unanswered at the time of publication.

Kusum Group began operations in Ukraine in 1994 by exporting Indian medicines to the country. Led by Indian national Rajeev Gupta, the group began marketing its own brands in 2002 before entering manufacturing, opening a plant in India in 2007 and the Sumy facility in 2009. It later added two more manufacturing facilities in India.

The group manufactures more than 50 mostly generic medicines and sells them in more than nine countries, including Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Philippines. It describes itself as a Ukrainian pharmaceutical company with Indian roots.

The latest strike comes amid an intensifying Russian aerial campaign across Ukraine. Zelenskyy said Russia launched 135 attack drones overnight, including more than 50 jet-powered drones, and had used more than 1,900 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs and 25 missiles against Ukraine during the week.

Kusum’s Ukrainian operations have faced attacks before. A Russian drone strike in 2025 reportedly destroyed one of the group’s warehouses in Kyiv, although there were no reported deaths.

The latest attack comes as Russian strikes continue to hit Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Recent attacks have also damaged Kyiv’s Northern Bridge and killed at least six people elsewhere in Ukraine.