Kyiv, Ukraine – According to Ukrainian authorities, at least nine people have reportedly been killed following a devastating Russian missile strike against a civilian bus in Kharkiv region, eastern Ukraine on Friday morning, reports Ukrainian state TV channels. This attack marks yet another violent assault targeting nonmilitary infrastructure during ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Regional officials confirmed that a bus was traveling near Kurylivka when it was hit by a Russian missile, killing at least seven civilians who were on their way to market nearby. Emergency services responded promptly; however, due to the force of blast there was little chance for survival; among the dead are thought to be several elderly passengers and at least one child.
“This was a brutal and deliberate act of terror against innocent civilians,” stated Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. “No military targets existed nearby; victims were simply living their lives.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy released a video statement condemning this attack as another war crime committed by Russian forces, promising that Ukraine will gather evidence and present it before international courts. Every civilian life taken due to Russian aggression strengthens our resolve in holding those responsible accountable,” Zelenskyy stated.
European leaders and human rights organizations have voiced strong criticism against Russia’s military strike on Ukraine, calling it an act “of clear violation of international humanitarian law.” Josep Borrell of the European Union Foreign Affairs Chief called this incident “an open violation” while also encouraging additional international support for Ukraine and further sanctions against Moscow.
Russia has not made an official statement about the incident; however, military spokespersons have claimed they only target legitimate military threats, while accusing Ukraine of staging civilian deaths to gain sympathy – allegations dismissed as propaganda by Ukrainian officials.
This latest strike underscores the increasing costs of war for Ukraine’s civilian population. Since Russia launched their full-scale invasion in February 2022, thousands of civilians have died in similar strikes on apartment buildings, train stations, hospitals, evacuation routes, evacuation routes etc. According to estimates by the UN alone over 30,000 have died; actual numbers may even exceed this due to underreporting within occupied areas.
Site of Bus Strike in Ukraine now subject to on-going recovery operations; Ukrainian authorities have initiated formal investigations while working alongside international monitors to collect evidence for an independent forensic assessment.
As Ukraine’s war continues without any clear sign of peace, incidents like these deepen humanitarian suffering across Ukraine and fuel diplomatic calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations.
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