Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday that at least 34 people had been killed in Russian strikes targeting different parts of Ukraine, including an attack that hit a bus in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, as well as drone raids on the capital, Kyiv. In a toll linked to the attacks in eastern Ukraine, authorities said at least 30 people had been killed in a Russian strike targeting two buses.
The toll came on a day that saw strikes in more than one region, while the overall announced death toll remained at at least 34. The Ukrainian authorities’ account said one of the strikes took place in Kramatorsk and hit a bus, while Kyiv was separately subjected to Russian drone raids.
Zelensky accuses Moscow of targeting civilians
The reported operations were not confined to these two areas, as authorities said the strikes extended across different parts of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians during the attacks. The accusation followed the announcement that dozens had been killed in the strike that hit the two buses in the east, amid the broader toll announced by Ukrainian authorities for Thursday’s Russian strikes.
The developments coincided with an escalation in attacks between Russia and Ukraine, including Russian strikes on multiple Ukrainian cities and areas. The latest reported operations included the use of drones in raids on Kyiv, alongside the strikes targeting the east.
Diplomatic efforts falter amid escalation
The escalation on the ground comes as diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war face a deadlock.
The war began in 2022, while military operations and attacks between the two sides continued as efforts to reach an end to the conflict came to a halt.
