A reported Russian bomb strike near a bus station in eastern Ukraine has left 30 people dead, according to officials, as Kyiv faces worsening power disruptions and Ukraine seeks stronger NATO defence support
Authorities in Ukraine’s Donetsk region reported a deadly attack near a bus station in Kramatorsk, where public buses were carrying passengers. The strike reportedly killed 30 people and disrupted local public transport. Ukrainian officials have also warned of intensified Russian attacks on critical infrastructure as winter approaches.
Kyiv: A Russian guided bomb struck near passenger-filled public buses in Kramatorsk, a war-affected city in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, killing 33 people and injuring 18, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack occurred near a bus stop on Thursday morning and disrupted public transportation in the area.
Authorities initially reported at least 30 deaths before revising the toll to 33. Kramatorsk’s military administration chief, Oleksandr Honcharenko, accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and said subsequent attacks involving small drones had hampered rescue operations.
Russian Strike Disrupts Public Transport in Kramatorsk
According to Ukrainian authorities, the bomb struck a street where two passenger buses were travelling. The attack set the buses on fire and damaged the surrounding area, prompting the suspension of public transport services in the affected location.
The incident has raised further concerns about civilian safety in frontline communities, where public transport remains essential for daily travel and access to essential services.
Russian Attacks Intensify as Winter Approaches
Russia has intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure in recent weeks, including energy facilities, railway networks, telecommunications infrastructure and other essential services. The latest strikes have also contributed to worsening electricity disruptions in Kyiv as Ukraine prepares for winter.
The war between Russia and Ukraine escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022 and continues, with both sides conducting attacks. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that strikes on energy infrastructure could create additional challenges as temperatures fall.
Zelenskyy Seeks Stronger NATO Defence Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia could intensify its daily missile and drone attacks as winter approaches. During a visit to Pryluky alongside British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, he called for stronger international support for Ukraine’s defence.
Zelenskyy urged NATO countries to provide additional defensive capabilities, including improved protection against ballistic missiles and ammunition for combat aircraft. Miliband also announced new sanctions against Russia during the visit.
Ukraine continues to seek additional military and diplomatic support as Russian attacks place pressure on its civilian population, energy systems and transport infrastructure.
