Russian drone strike on Ukraine railway station leaves 30 dead; Zelenskyy condemns ‘savage’ attack
Just a day earlier, Russia launched 35 missiles and 60 drones at facilities of state-owned Naftogaz company in Kharkiv and Poltava
PTC Web Desk: At least 30 persons were killed in a Russian drone strike on a railway station in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed, denouncing the assault as “savage.”
According to preliminary reports, both Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) staff and passengers were on board the train at the time of the attack. Zelenskyy shared a video on X, revealing a charred train carriage engulfed in flames, with twisted metal and shattered windows.
Regional governor Oleh Hryhorov said the strike targeted a railway station and struck a train travelling from Shostka to Kyiv.
Irked over stalled peace talks with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for tougher measures against Moscow after the deadly drone strike on the passenger train in Sumy. He described the attack as an act of terrorism and warned that statements of support were no longer enough.
“The Russians knew they were hitting civilians. This is pure terrorism and the world cannot ignore it. Every day Russia kills people. Only strength can stop them. We have heard firm promises from Europe and America, but now is the time to turn words into real action. Lip service is not enough anymore,” Zelenskyy said.
Regional governor Oleh Hryhorov shared a photo of the burning train coach, confirming that medics and rescue workers were at the site.
The attack on the railway is part of Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine’s transport and energy systems. For nearly two months, Ukrainian railway infrastructure has been targeted almost daily.
Just a day earlier, Russia launched 35 missiles and 60 drones at facilities of the state-owned Naftogaz company in Kharkiv and Poltava. According to Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi, the strikes caused severe damage, leaving more than 8,000 consumers without power. He called it the largest attack on Ukraine’s gas production since the war began and said there was “no military reason” for such a strike.
Russia’s Defence Ministry later confirmed carrying out massive overnight strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, saying it had also hit defense industries.
As the country heads into its fourth winter of war, Russian attacks on energy infrastructure are intensifying, triggering prolonged blackouts in several regions.