A deadly bomb strike carried out by Russia in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 33 lives, authorities confirmed on Thursday. This targeted attack on civilians in a strategic stronghold sought after by Moscow also left 18 individuals injured, marking one of the most devastating incidents of the year. The explosion occurred on a street where two city buses were in operation at the time, according to local police. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referred to the location as a bus stop.
Images released by the police depicted a chaotic scene with bodies scattered on the street amidst debris, along with the remains of a burnt-out bus. Regional governor Vadym Filashkin criticized the attackers, stating, “For them [the Russians], a bus with passengers is an attractive target, precisely because one strike can kill as many people as possible,” in a message shared on the Telegram app.
The assault drew widespread condemnation, with no immediate response from Moscow. Russia has consistently denied targeting civilians, despite its relentless bombardment of Ukrainian cities and towns in the ongoing full-scale invasion that commenced in February 2022.
Amid escalating tensions, Moscow’s forces have escalated their drone and guided-bomb strikes on Kramatorsk and other urban centers within Ukraine’s defensive perimeter known as the “fortress belt.” Russia’s demand for Ukraine to relinquish control of the remaining region under its authority as a condition to cease hostilities has been firmly rejected by Kyiv. The pace of Moscow’s territorial advancements in the region has notably slowed this year.
In response to the heightened threats, Filashkin announced the suspension of public transport services in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of citizens. The deadly attack in Kramatorsk came on the heels of a massive Russian air raid targeting Ukraine’s power grid, resulting in numerous casualties across the country.
Furthermore, on the same day, Kyiv faced morning drone strikes that claimed the lives of three individuals and left 14 others wounded, as reported by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. With Ukrainian air defenses strained, Russian forces have intensified their assaults on the capital city.
