In a tragic new escalation of the ongoing conflict, at least 12 workers were killed and others injured in a Russian drone strike that targeted a bus carrying them in the Dnipropetrovsk region of east-central Ukraine. The attack occurred on Sunday near the town of Ternivka, just 65 kilometers from the front lines, highlighting the daily dangers faced by civilians even in relatively remote areas.
Background of the conflict and targeting of civilians
This attack comes in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, now in its third year, which has seen the extensive use of drones and missiles to strike targets deep inside Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has pursued a strategy aimed at destroying Ukraine's vital infrastructure, including power plants and industrial facilities, as well as targeting residential areas to sow terror and undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people. The Dnipropetrovsk region, due to its industrial importance, is a frequent target of these attacks.
Details of the attack and its repercussions
DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, confirmed that the victims were its workers returning home after their shift at one of the company's coal mines. Images released by Ukrainian emergency services showed a badly damaged bus with shattered windows, a stark testament to the violence of the attack. The head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Ganza, said initial estimates indicated 12 people were killed and seven others injured, describing the incident as a terrorist act targeting innocent workers.
Importance and expected impact
Locally, the incident represents a humanitarian tragedy for the community and further strains medical and emergency services. Regionally and internationally, the direct targeting of a bus carrying workers reinforces accusations against Russia of war crimes, as targeting civilians is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. This attack also underscores the urgent need for Ukraine to strengthen its air defenses to protect its cities and infrastructure, a demand that Kyiv has repeatedly made to its Western allies.
Recurring pattern of attacks
This attack was not an isolated incident. On the same day, another Russian drone targeted a maternity hospital in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, injuring seven people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the scale of the Russian attacks, stating that in January alone, Russia launched more than 6,000 drones, 5,000 projectiles, and 158 missiles, reflecting the intensity of Moscow's air campaign.
