A Russian drone strike on a railway station in Shostka, north-east Ukraine, injured over 30 people, including children. Zelensky accused Moscow of targeting civilians and urged Western allies to boost air defense support as Russian attacks intensify.
Russian Drone Strike on Ukrainian Railway Station Injures Over 30, Including Children, Zelensky Says
At least 30 people, including three children, were injured when Russian drones struck a railway station in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Shostka, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.
In a post on X, Zelensky confirmed that train staff and passengers were present at the site during the attack in Sumy region. He shared a video showing a burning train carriage, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians.
"The Russians could not have been unaware that they were targeting civilians. This is terrorism, which the world has no right to ignore," he wrote, adding that only strength from Ukraine’s allies could stop further attacks.
Regional governor Oleh Hryhorov said three children—aged 8, 11 and 14—were among the injured. Ukrainian Railways reported that two strikes hit two passenger trains, one of them during ongoing evacuation operations. The company described the assault as a “vile” attempt to sever communication with frontline communities.
Ukrainian Railways chief Oleksandr Pertsovsky told reporters the attack served no military purpose and was intended to “sow panic among people.” He also noted an intensification of Russian strikes against rail infrastructure in recent weeks.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and continue to assist victims, though officials said casualty figures could rise as information is verified.
The strike comes amid a sharp escalation in Russia’s aerial campaign. Last week, Kyiv endured a 12-hour bombardment involving hundreds of drones and nearly 50 missiles, leaving four dead and more than 70 injured.
Zelensky reiterated his call for Western nations to accelerate arms deliveries, particularly advanced air defense systems. “We’ve heard resolute statements from Europe and America – and it’s high time to turn them all into reality,” he urged.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders continue to press for an end to the war, though Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected ceasefire proposals. Despite heavy combat losses, Russian forces have made incremental advances, prompting Kyiv to seek additional Western support, including long-range missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia.