A Russian strike on two public buses in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk killed at least 12 people and wounded 19 others on Thursday morning, according to regional authorities. The attack, which occurred around 10:00 local time, has led the city council to suspend public transport indefinitely.
In a statement on Telegram, the Kramatorsk City Council condemned the assault, saying: "Once again, the Russians have struck a location where there is definitely no military target. A public bus. Civilian transport. People who were simply going about their business." The council's words underscore the recurring pattern of strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Donetsk region, which has been under near-constant bombardment since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed the timing of the attack and said an investigation has been opened into potential war crimes. Governor Vadym Filashkin expressed condolences to the families of the victims and noted that rescue operations were still underway to determine the full extent of the damage. He reiterated his urgent appeal to residents: "I urge everyone who is still in the Donetsk region to evacuate to safer parts of Ukraine."
Kramatorsk, a key administrative hub in the Donetsk region, has been a frequent target of Russian missile and drone attacks. The city lies close to the front line and has seen repeated strikes on civilian areas, including a devastating attack on a railway station in April 2022 that killed dozens. Thursday's strike adds to a grim tally of civilian casualties in the region, where evacuation efforts have been hampered by ongoing fighting and the constant threat of further attacks.
Kyiv also under fire
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv experienced its own overnight ordeal. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that a drone strike on a four-storey building in the Solomianskyi district had killed two people and injured two others. Search and rescue operations were ongoing at the site, with emergency crews combing through the rubble for any additional victims.
Earlier on Thursday, Klitschko had already reported one death and 11 injuries from Russian attacks on the city. The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia launched 142 drones overnight, a significant number that overwhelmed air defences in several regions. The drones, many of them Iranian-designed Shahed models, were intercepted in part, but the sheer volume allowed some to reach their targets.
The attacks on Kyiv and Kramatorsk come amid a broader escalation of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. In recent weeks, Moscow has intensified its aerial campaign, targeting energy facilities, transport hubs, and residential areas. The strikes have drawn widespread condemnation from European leaders, who have reiterated their support for Ukraine's defence.
European Union foreign ministers are currently discussing tighter curbs on Russian diplomats in response to the mounting hybrid attacks, including sabotage and disinformation campaigns. The EU has also been grappling with the broader security implications of the war, particularly in the Black Sea region, where drone strikes have exposed gaps in maritime defence plans. These incidents have prompted calls for a more robust European naval presence to protect commercial shipping and critical infrastructure.
The human cost of the war continues to mount, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. In Donetsk, the regional governor's plea for evacuation reflects the dire situation on the ground. Many residents have already left, but those who remain face daily risks as they try to maintain a semblance of normal life. The suspension of public transport in Kramatorsk will further isolate the city, making it harder for people to reach safety or access essential services.
International reactions have been swift. The United Nations and humanitarian organisations have called for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law. European capitals have expressed solidarity with Ukraine, with several leaders condemning the strikes as acts of terrorism. The attacks also come at a time when President Zelenskyy has drawn attention to the timing of Russian strikes, noting that they often coincide with symbolic dates.
As the war enters its fourth year, the resilience of Ukrainian cities like Kramatorsk and Kyiv remains under severe strain. The international community's response, including continued military aid and diplomatic pressure on Moscow, will be crucial in determining the course of the conflict. For now, the immediate focus is on the victims and their families, as well as the ongoing efforts to rescue those trapped under the rubble.
