Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a Russian drone attack on a passenger train, calling it an act of terrorism that killed at least four people. The train, carrying more than 200 passengers, was struck in Ukraine’s north-eastern Kharkiv region on Tuesday, leaving another four people missing, according to local officials.
Earlier, Russian drone strikes in the southern port city of Odesa killed three people overnight and injured at least 25 others, officials said. In Odesa, the attacks damaged residential buildings, with one collapsing partially, while other homes and energy infrastructure were hit. City military head Serhiy Lysak confirmed the casualties and destruction.
Zelensky described the Kharkiv strike on social media as “purely terrorism,” emphasizing that there was no military justification for targeting civilians. He noted that 18 people were in the carriage directly hit. Pictures and videos released by Ukraine’s emergency services showed at least one train carriage badly destroyed and still burning hours after the attack.
Kharkiv’s regional prosecutor’s office reported that the train was struck near the village of Yazykove. One drone hit a carriage directly, while two more exploded nearby. The train was traveling from Chop on the western border to Barvinkove in Kharkiv via the regional capital. This line also serves routes further east to the Donetsk region and is used by both civilians and Ukrainian soldiers returning from leave.
Russia has intensified its missile and drone strikes in recent months, targeting Ukraine’s transport and energy infrastructure during the country’s harshest winter in years. Millions of Ukrainians remain without heating, electricity, or water because of these attacks. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory following its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The drone attacks occurred shortly after Ukraine and Russia held the latest round of peace talks in the United Arab Emirates, which included U.S. negotiators. While the meetings were described as constructive, key territorial disputes remain unresolved, and further negotiations are expected this weekend.
Zelensky’s condemnation highlights growing international concern over Russia’s targeting of civilian infrastructure. The train strike and the Odesa attacks underscore the ongoing risks faced by civilians in Ukraine amid continued Russian aerial assaults, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
Global
Ecuador Protests After ICE Agent Attempts Entry at Minneapolis Consulate
Ecuador’s government has condemned an attempt by a U.S.
Spain to Grant Legal Status to 500,000 Undocumented Migrants
Spain announced Tuesday it will grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants living in the country.