Russian Drone Strike Kills Five on Ukrainian Bus
A Russian drone struck a passenger bus in the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk region, killing five people and wounding at least seven. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an atrocity and highlighted a broader pattern of Russian strikes on civilian transport. The incident follows recent a…
By Felo News Desk · Published
A Russian drone hit a passenger bus early Wednesday in the Nikopol district of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, killing five people and leaving at least seven wounded. The attack, described by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an “atrocity,” is part of a series of Russian strikes on civilian transportation that have intensified in recent weeks.
Details of the Bus Attack
The minibus was traveling near the southern front line when the drone struck, according to regional officials. Oleksandr Hanzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk military administration, confirmed that all five victims died at the scene and that the wounded were receiving medical care. Zelenskyy posted a brief video on the social‑media platform X, noting that the vehicle was a minibus and that the strike had “no military rationale.” He added that the incident was part of Russia’s ongoing campaign to target logistics and critical infrastructure.
Broader Pattern of Targeting Civilian Transport
Earlier on the same day, a passenger train was struck in the Mykolaiv region, damaging a railway station and a diesel locomotive. Nearly 170 passengers were evacuated before the strike. An electric locomotive in Kovel, a north‑western city, was also hit, according to Zelenskyy. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported on X that Russian attacks on Ukraine’s rail network have damaged or destroyed over 500 locomotives since February 2022, with more than half of those strikes occurring this year. He described the attacks as “systematic” and called for international partners to supply locomotives compatible with Ukraine’s 1,520‑millimeter gauge and to help finance replacements.
Sybiha also warned that Russian forces were deliberately targeting passenger trains, stations, and routes, stating that such attacks were “not collateral damage” but a “systematic hunt for people” aimed at paralyzing civilian life. The pattern underscores the broader strategy of disrupting logistics, evacuations, and the Ukrainian economy.
Impact on Civilian Infrastructure and International Response
In the Kyiv region, 17 sites were damaged between Tuesday and Wednesday, including eight private homes, five vehicles, a municipal building, a hangar, and a production facility, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv regional military administration. Zelenskyy also noted attacks on the Kherson, Donetsk, and Poltava regions. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight, illustrating the high‑intensity air conflict surrounding civilian infrastructure.
In the Belgorod region of Russia, Ukrainian strikes over the last 24 hours killed one person and injured four others, according to acting governor Alexander Shuvayev. These cross‑border incidents highlight the escalating risk to civilians on both sides of the conflict.
Calls for an Energy Truce and Ongoing Negotiations
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly denied reports of an energy truce between Ukraine and Russia. In an interview with CBS News, he clarified that any agreement would require Russia to cease all attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. Trump’s earlier claim of a mutual ceasefire on energy infrastructure was not substantiated, and Zelenskyy emphasized that previous attempts at a partial ceasefire have collapsed within hours, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
During a recent meeting in Kyiv with representatives of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy reiterated that a truce would only be possible if Russia stopped striking energy facilities entirely. He also urged international partners to assist with logistics and infrastructure repair, underscoring the urgency of restoring essential services amid ongoing attacks.
What Happens Next?
Ukraine continues to call on its allies for support in replacing damaged locomotives and rebuilding critical infrastructure. The government remains vigilant as Russian forces persist in targeting civilian transportation hubs. International observers and humanitarian organizations are monitoring the situation closely, as the pattern of attacks threatens to exacerbate civilian suffering and disrupt essential services across the country.
With the conflict entering its second year, the focus remains on preventing further civilian casualties and maintaining the resilience of Ukraine’s transport network. The international community is urged to respond swiftly to Ukraine’s requests for logistical and financial assistance to counter the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure.
For continuous updates on the war in Ukraine, follow AP’s coverage at AP News.
Key facts
- Russian drone killed five people on a passenger bus in Nikopol district
- Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an atrocity with no military rationale
- Over 500 locomotives damaged in Russia’s rail attacks since February 2022
- Ukraine urgently needs international help to replace damaged locomotives
- Previous attempts at an energy truce have failed and are still unfulfilled
Why it matters
The attack illustrates the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure by Russian forces, escalating the humanitarian crisis and undermining Ukraine’s essential transport network.
Frequently asked questions
What was the target of the Russian drone attack on Wednesday?
A passenger minibus traveling in the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk region.
How many people were killed and injured in the bus attack?
Five people were killed and at least seven were wounded.
What other civilian transport incidents occurred on the same day?
A passenger train was struck in Mykolaiv, damaging a station and a locomotive, and an electric locomotive in Kovel was also hit.
What has Ukraine requested from its international partners?
Ukraine has asked for locomotives compatible with its 1,520‑mm gauge and financial assistance to replace those damaged by Russian attacks.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Russian drone strike kills 5 and injures at least 7 on passenger bus in Ukraine”
