In a brutal escalation of hostilities in south-eastern Ukraine, a Russian drone strike targeted a bus carrying workers from a local mining operation, killing at least twelve people and injuring seven others. The attack occurred on Sunday, 1 February, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Denis Shmyhal.
In a Telegram post, Minister Shmyhal condemned the attack, stating: “Today, the enemy launched a reprehensible strike in the Dnipro region, deliberately targeting workers in the energy sector. This terrorist attack has claimed the lives of twelve miners and injured seven more.”
Authorities confirmed that the incident took place near the town of Ternivska. Emergency services later released video footage showing the aftermath: a burnt-out bus lying overturned on the roadside, the result of a devastating explosion.
The victims were employees of the energy company DTEK, who were reportedly returning home from their shift when the strike occurred. In an official statement, DTEK confirmed the identities of those affected and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
| Location | Incident Type | Fatalities | Injuries | Victims’ Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ternivska, Dnipropetrovsk | Drone strike on bus | 12 | 7 | DTEK mining workers |
The attack comes amid a series of escalating strikes in the region. Earlier on Sunday, local officials reported that a maternity hospital and a residential building in the south-eastern city of Zaporizhzhia were hit in Russian attacks, leaving at least nine people injured.
The timing of these strikes coincides with preparations for the second round of trilateral talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the discussions, which aim to address ongoing hostilities, humanitarian issues, and energy security in conflict-affected areas.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the targeting of civilian infrastructure and non-combatants. Observers warn that such attacks on essential workers, including those in energy and health sectors, not only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis but also threaten the stability of critical services in Ukraine’s war-affected regions.
The Dnipropetrovsk strike marks another grim milestone in the conflict, underlining the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles by Russian forces to carry out precision attacks on both military and civilian targets. Emergency services and local authorities continue rescue operations and are urging residents to remain vigilant amid rising security risks.