Russian glide bombs struck two buses in Kramatorsk, killing at least 33 civilians and injuring 18 others. This attack is part of a wider surge in Russian strikes across Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Zelensky condemning them as deliberate and horrific.
Deadly Strike in Kramatorsk
At least 33 civilians were killed and 18 others injured in a Russian glide bomb strike on two passenger buses in Kramatorsk, a frontline city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, local authorities reported on Thursday. The attack occurred near a bus stop where civilians were boarding or disembarking vehicles, according to police and regional officials.
Rescue workers and local prosecutors released images showing the charred remains of the buses and multiple bodies scattered across the road. Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin described the strike as a deliberate targeting of civilians, stating, “Russia is systematically destroying Kramatorsk and terrorising civilians.” Public transport in the city has since been suspended, with officials urging remaining residents to relocate to safer areas.
Escalation of Attacks Across Ukraine
The attack follows a sharp increase in Russian strikes across Ukraine over the past 48 hours. On Wednesday, a Russian missile struck a five-storey apartment block in Pryluky, killing 22 people, including five children—three of whom were infants. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assaults, calling them “a gift that Putin gave himself for his birthday” and emphasizing the difficulty in repelling such attacks despite prior intelligence warnings.
Regional Impact and Military Context
Kramatorsk, part of Ukraine’s so-called ‘fortress belt’ in the Donetsk region, remains a critical logistics and supply hub for Ukrainian forces. Russian troops have advanced to the city’s eastern outskirts, heightening concerns over further escalation. Local officials reported that the strike was carried out using a glide bomb, a precision-guided munition capable of striking targets from a distance.
International Response and Ongoing Conflict
The United Nations has verified over 17,000 civilian deaths since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, though the actual toll is believed to be significantly higher. The surge in civilian casualties has drawn international condemnation, with Ukraine accusing Russia of violating international humanitarian law by targeting non-combatants. Moscow has not yet publicly commented on the Kramatorsk attack.
The latest strike underscores the deteriorating security situation in eastern Ukraine, where both sides have intensified long-range attacks. Ukrainian officials have called for concrete action from international partners, while Russia continues to demand the ceding of the Donetsk region as a precondition for ending hostilities—a demand Kyiv has rejected.
Casualty Figures and Verification
Initial reports from local authorities and rescue services varied slightly in their death tolls, with figures ranging from 30 to 35 fatalities. The discrepancy reflects the challenges of verifying casualties in active conflict zones, where access to sites is often restricted. Ukrainian state agencies and independent monitors are working to compile a definitive count.
The attack has triggered calls for enhanced air defense measures and civilian evacuations in frontline regions. Regional governor Filashkin reiterated warnings that “we have no right to risk the lives of passengers and drivers”, urging residents to avoid public transport until further notice.