Russian drone attacks across Ukraine have intensified, damaging key infrastructure and hitting an Indian-linked pharmaceutical facility in the northeastern Sumy region. The Kusum Group plant was largely destroyed in a strike on Sunday, with one person killed and several others injured, according to Ukrainian officials. The main structure suffered extensive damage, with thick smoke rising from the facility. The loss has been estimated at around Rs 400 crore.
Kusum Group, headed by Indian businessman Rajeev Gupta, began supplying Indian medicines to Ukraine in the 1990s and later expanded into manufacturing. The company established its Sumy facility in 2009 and produces a wide range of generic medicines for several international markets. The plant had continued operations despite the war that began in February 2022. Its destruction now threatens production and represents a major setback for the company’s Ukrainian operations.
The attack came as Russia continued targeting Ukrainian infrastructure with drones. Kyiv has faced repeated strikes on bridges, while Ukrainian authorities have imposed traffic restrictions after damage to bridges in the capital.
Against this backdrop, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Sunday and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His arrival coincided with air-raid sirens and explosions. Merz pledged continued German support and was expected to announce additional military and energy assistance, including support for defence and energy infrastructure. The visit underscored Germany’s strong continued support.
Germany and Ukraine are also working to deepen cooperation on drone production and defence technology as Kyiv seeks stronger protection against Russia’s expanding aerial campaign.
