In a severe escalation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, Russian drone strikes targeted a passenger train in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread condemnation from Ukrainian authorities. The assault occurred on Tuesday near Yazykove village, where at least one direct hit on a passenger carriage ignited a fierce blaze that consumed the compartment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the attack as unequivocal terrorism, emphasizing that the train carried over 200 civilians with no military justification for the strike. Initial reports confirm at least four fatalities with an additional four individuals reported missing. Emergency services imagery reveals at least one carriage completely destroyed by fire following the impact.
The targeted train was traveling from the western border town of Chop to Barvinkove via Kharkiv, a route frequently used by both civilians and military personnel traveling to and from leave. Regional prosecutors confirmed one drone struck a carriage directly while two additional drones detonated in proximity to the train.
Simultaneously, southern Ukraine faced coordinated assaults as Odesa officials reported Russia launched over 50 drones targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. The overnight attack resulted in three confirmed fatalities and 25 injuries, with several floors of a residential building collapsing entirely and multiple structures sustaining significant damage.
These attacks occur despite recent diplomatic developments, as Ukraine-Russia negotiations involving US mediators concluded what participants described as constructive talks in the United Arab Emirates. However, critical territorial disputes remain unresolved with additional meetings anticipated.
Moscow’s intensified campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure has left millions without heating, electricity, or water during the harshest winter months. The full-scale invasion launched in February 2022 currently maintains Russian control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.