Russian Drone Attack: In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Russian drone strike on a civilian bus in Ukraine’s Sumy region has left nine people dead and several others injured. The tragic incident happened early Saturday morning near the town of Bilopillya as the bus was on its way to the regional capital, Sumy.
Local authorities described the attack as a “cynical and inhumane” act against innocent people. Ukraine’s national police also called it a clear “war crime,” saying Russia had once again targeted a civilian object, violating international laws and basic human values.
Officials from the Sumy regional military administration said that the Russian army used a Lancet drone to strike the bus at 6:17 am local time. Photos shared on social media showed the wreckage of the bus, completely destroyed in the strike.
This cruel attack comes just hours after Russia and Ukraine held their first face-to-face peace talks in nearly three years in Istanbul. While there was no agreement on a ceasefire, both sides did agree to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each. Ukraine pushed hard for a full and unconditional ceasefire, but Moscow did not agree to that.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said that the next step would be a direct meeting between President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia has acknowledged the idea, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump, currently visiting the Middle East, claimed that no real peace will happen unless he and Putin meet face-to-face. Trump said, “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.”
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the Sumy region has seen heavy shelling and drone attacks. Earlier this week, another set of drone strikes killed three people and injured nine across the same region.
The ongoing violence has displaced millions and left cities in ruins. This latest attack on civilians, especially right after peace talks, raises serious concerns about Russia’s intentions and respect for human lives.
People in Ukraine continue to hope for peace, but the road ahead still looks uncertain. As international pressure grows, many eyes are now on whether direct talks between the leaders can bring any real change.
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