Lyashko reports change in Russian Federation tactics: mass strikes on pharmaceutical sector

Health Minister Viktor Lyashko reported on a new strategy of Russian military strikes aimed at paralysing citizens' access to necessary medicines. This statement was made during his speech at the World Health Summit in Berlin.

Attacks on pharmaceutical infrastructure

According to Lyashko, an increase in the number of shelling incidents targeting pharmaceutical industry facilities has been recorded over the past month. The enemy's targets are not only production capacities but also warehouses storing valuable and critically important medicines.

«На жаль, протягом останнього місяця ми почали стикатися з більшою кількістю атак на фармацевтичний сектор. Вони атакують фармацевтичні склади, виробничі потужності, об’єкти, де зберігаються цінні, критично важливі медикаменти, щоб українці не мали доступу навіть до базових ліків, препаратів і лікування тоді, коли вони найбільше їх потребують» ("Unfortunately, over the past month, we have started to face a greater number of attacks on the pharmaceutical sector. They are attacking pharmaceutical warehouses, production capacities, and facilities where valuable, critically important medicines are stored, so that Ukrainians do not have access even to basic medicines, drugs, and treatment when they need them most"), the minister noted.

Consequences for the healthcare system

Lyashko emphasised that the destruction of medicine stocks creates additional pressure on the entire healthcare system. Citizens suffering from chronic diseases are trying to purchase necessary medications in advance, leading to sharp changes in demand. This forces the medical system to react promptly to supply disruptions and adapt to new realities.

Ukraine's position and the world's reaction

Viktor Lyashko underlined that Russia's strikes on medical infrastructure require an adequate response from the international community. He added that by continuing to attack medical facilities and residential buildings, the Russian Federation is demonstrating its goal — the destruction of Ukraine and freedom.

At the same time, the minister noted that despite the ongoing war, Ukraine continues to reform its healthcare system. He stated that the country is already ready to share its experience of working under conditions of a large-scale crisis with other states.