AT LEAST 30 people have been injured in a Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian passenger train.
Emergency services rushed to Shotska, in Ukraine‘s Sumy region, after the “savage” attack, which left the carriage fiercely burning and ripped apart.
X30 people have been injured in a Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian passenger train[/caption]
The drone struck civilians
XThe train was left ripped open[/caption]
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky condemned the vile “terrorist” attack as a direct assault on civilians – amid reports train staff and passengers were on-site at the time.
He said the assault left 30 injured and emergency services were already at the scene treating the victims.
The Kremlin, he added, could not have been “unaware” it was striking civilians and urged, this is “terror we cannot ignore”.
The train had been heading from Shostka – around 50 kilometres from the Russian border – to the country’s capital, Kyiv, said regional governor Oleh Hryhorov.
No deaths have yet been reported.
Horrifying footage shows the train engulfed in flames as plumes of thick black smoke fill the air.
Carriage doors appear ripped apart and windows burst open.
In a post on X, Zelensky said: “A savage Russian drone strike on the railway station in Shostka, Sumy region.
“All emergency services are already on the scene and have begun helping people.
“All information about the injured is being established. So far, we know of at least 30 victims.
“Preliminary reports indicate that both Ukrzaliznytsia staff and passengers were at the site of the strike.
“The Russians could not have been unaware that they were striking civilians. And this is terror the world must not ignore.
“Every day Russia takes people’s lives. And only strength can make them stop.
“We’ve heard resolute statements from Europe and America – and it’s high time to turn them all into reality, together with everyone who refuses to accept murder and terror as normal.
“Lip service is not enough now. Strong action is needed.”
The violent assault comes as the Kremlin increases its air campaign on the country’s infrastructure.
Last week, Swarms of drones and a barrage of missiles were fired across several Ukrainian regions – before turning towards the capital Kyiv.
Ukraine’s military said that Russia had launched 595 drones and 48 missiles overnight and its air defences shot down 568 drones and 43 missiles.
Missiles flew over Kyiv – the worst hit city – as anti-aircraft fire rang out for several hours after the Russian forces launched the blitz.
Zelensky said the attack lasted more than 12 hours and caused widespread damage to a cardiology clinic, factories and residential buildings.
He said the attack had targeted several regions in the north, centre and south, including the southern city of Zaporizhzhia where authorities said at least 16 people had been injured.
XFlames erupt from the carriage[/caption]
XMedical workers rushed to the scene[/caption]