At least five people were killed when a Russian drone struck a civilian passenger train in northeastern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, describing the incident as an act of terrorism.
The attack occurred in the Kharkiv region, with emergency responders encountering severe destruction.
Nearly 300 passengers were on board the train, commonly used by Ukrainians visiting soldiers near the front lines.
Zelensky stated that 18 people were in the carriage hit directly by the drone. Identification of the victims will require DNA testing, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
Ukraine’s national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, reported two injuries and one missing person, while announcing nationwide observances, including lowered flags and a minute of silence for the victims.
The train was traveling from Chop and Lviv to Barvinkove, near the Donetsk front lines. Ukrainian authorities said the drone struck the front of the locomotive and a passenger car.
Video footage from the scene showed smoke and flames pouring from shattered windows, passengers fleeing through snow, and families carrying belongings. One woman was rescued while holding her baby.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced temporary reductions in train services, particularly in the Kharkiv region, citing increased Russian attacks on railway infrastructure.
The attack drew international condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron called the strike unacceptable, denounced attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure, and pledged additional support for Ukraine, including generators for winter aid.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s railways, but direct attacks on passenger trains remain rare.
One of the deadliest prior strikes occurred in 2022 at Kramatorsk, killing 61 people, including children.
The train strike follows overnight Russian assaults on Ukraine’s Odesa and Kyiv regions, which killed at least five civilians and caused widespread electricity shortages.
Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reported continued power disruptions in Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Donetsk due to ongoing attacks.
In retaliation, Russia reported one civilian killed in the Belgorod region by a Ukrainian drone strike.
