At least 30 individuals sustained injuries in a severe drone attack on a passenger train at a Ukrainian railway station, characterized as a deliberate act of terrorism. Video footage captured the moment of impact, revealing the wreckage of a damaged engine and carriage engulfed in flames at Shostka station. Immediate efforts were made to rescue the injured and provide medical aid.
Oleksandr Pertsovsky, the head of Ukraine’s railways, confirmed that two trains were targeted in the attack. He disclosed that among the injured were three children and a railway employee. According to Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and reconstruction minister, Russia carried out successive strikes on two passenger trains, first striking a local service and then another heading to Kyiv. The second drone attack occurred during an evacuation process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the drone strike as an inhumane assault on civilians by Vladimir Putin, urging the global community to respond urgently. Zelensky expressed on social media, “A barbaric Russian drone strike on the railway station in Shostka, Sumy region. Rescue operations are in progress, with efforts to assist the victims ongoing. As of now, approximately 30 individuals have been reported injured, including railway personnel and passengers present at the scene.”
Zelensky emphasized, “The Russians were aware they were targeting civilians, constituting an act of terror that cannot be overlooked by the world. Russia continues to claim lives daily, and only decisive actions can halt their aggression. It is time for the strong statements from Europe and America to translate into concrete actions alongside those who reject violence and terrorism as norms. Words alone are insufficient; tangible measures are imperative.”
Reports indicated around 30 injuries on the train traveling from Shostka to Kyiv, with the Sumy region enduring continuous bombardment due to its proximity to Russia. Regional governor Oleh Hryhorov confirmed the presence of medical and rescue teams at the scene.
Both Zelensky and local Governor Oleh Hryhorov shared images purportedly from the site, displaying a passenger carriage engulfed in flames. The drone strikes also disrupted the power supply in Shostka, affecting the town’s residents and surrounding areas, as stated by Governor Hryhorov.
Oksana Tarasiuk, head of the local district administration, confirmed no fatalities immediately following the attack. She condemned the strikes as a despicable attempt to obstruct communication with frontline communities. Zelensky’s top aide, Andriy Yermak, accused Russia of waging a war against civilians by intentionally targeting the station and train.
Ukraine’s top diplomat, Andrii Sybiha, criticized the ruthless tactic employed by Russia, known as the ‘double strike,’ where rescuers and evacuees become targets of subsequent attacks. Moscow has intensified airstrikes on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, crucial for military transport, with frequent attacks over the past months. Additionally, the Kremlin has escalated assaults on Ukraine’s power grid, allegedly aiming to weaponize the approaching winter by depriving civilians of essential utilities.
Overnight into Saturday, Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine’s power grid once more, causing significant damage to energy facilities near Chernihiv. This assault followed a major attack on Ukrainian natural gas facilities the day before, with Russia launching a considerable number of drones and missiles to disrupt the power grid, potentially influencing public sentiment toward the conflict.