Russian strike on buses in Kramatorsk kills 33; public transport halted
In short
A Russian attack on buses in Kramatorsk, in Ukraine's Donetsk region, killed 33 people on October 8, Japanese outlets reported, citing Ukrainian media and authorities. Jiji Press and Nikkei reported 18 injured, while Nippon TV reported 20. Authorities halted public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
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Russian forces attacked two civilian buses in Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, on October 8, killing 33 people and injuring 18, according to Ukraine's Interior Ministry and others, Nikkei reported in a Kyodo News dispatch. Jiji Press, citing Ukrainian media, also reported 33 dead and 18 injured. Nippon TV, citing Ukraine's State Emergency Service and others, reported 33 dead and 20 injured. [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]
Jiji Press reported that a glide bomb is believed to have hit the bus, and Nikkei said a guided glide bomb is believed to have been used. Nippon TV said the two buses were carrying passengers and that released footage showed the wreckage of a bus that had burned intensely. [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]
Following the intensified Russian attacks, regional authorities announced they would halt public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, Jiji Press reported. Nikkei said local authorities ordered the suspension in Kramatorsk and neighbouring Sloviansk and renewed their call for residents to evacuate. [ 1 , 6 ]
Ukrainian President Zelensky declared retaliation on October 8, saying "they will face retribution," according to Nikkei. Nippon TV quoted him as saying Ukraine "will not stand by silently" over the attack on the bus. Both outlets reported that he urged the international community to respond firmly. [ 6 , 8 ]
Jiji Press described Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as key positions in Donetsk region's fortress belt and the last defensive line against the Russian advance aimed at taking full control of the region. Citing Reuters, it reported that Russian forces have come within 15 km of both cities and are continuing heavy attacks with drones and guided bombs. Nikkei reported that Ukrainian forces are stepping up a counteroffensive around Lyman, north of Sloviansk, and said Russia may be trying to increase pressure through attacks on civilians as it struggles on the front line. [ 1 , 6 ]
Nippon TV reported that 78 people were killed in Ukraine over two days, including Russian attacks on October 7. Nikkei reported that Ukraine's State Emergency Service said a Russian missile strike on an apartment building in Pryluky, Chernihiv region, on October 7 killed 22 people, including five children, and injured 54, and that Russian drone attacks on Kyiv on October 8 killed three people and injured 14. [ 6 , 8 ]
Why it matters
Jiji Press described Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as part of the last defensive line against Russia's push to take full control of Donetsk region, and reported, citing Reuters, that Russian forces are within 15 km of both cities. The halt to public transport and a renewed call for residents to evacuate affect daily life in both cities, and President Zelensky has asked the international community to respond firmly.
Key facts
- 33 people were killed when Russian forces attacked buses in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, on October 8. [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]
- Jiji Press and Nikkei reported 18 injured; Nippon TV reported 20 injured. [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]
- Nikkei and Nippon TV reported that two buses were hit. [ 6 , 8 ]
- Jiji Press and Nikkei reported that a glide bomb is believed to have been used. [ 1 , 6 ]
- Authorities halted public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. [ 1 , 6 ]
- Local authorities renewed their call for residents to evacuate, Nikkei reported. [ 6 ]
- President Zelensky called on the international community to respond firmly. [ 6 , 8 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- 33 people were killed in a Russian attack on buses in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, on October 8. [ 1 , 6 , 8 ]
- Two buses were hit. [ 6 , 8 ]
- A glide bomb is believed to have been used. [ 1 , 6 ]
- Authorities halted public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. [ 1 , 6 ]
- Zelensky called on the international community to respond firmly. [ 6 , 8 ]
Still unclear
- The number of injured. Jiji Press and Nikkei reported 18 injured, while Nippon TV reported 20.
- The weapon used. Jiji Press and Nikkei said a glide bomb is believed to have been used; neither stated it as confirmed.
- Whether Russia is using attacks on civilians to increase pressure. This is an assessment in the Kyodo dispatch carried by Nikkei, not a confirmed fact.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- October 8: Jiji Press reports 33 killed and 18 injured in an attack on a bus in Kramatorsk and the halt of public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. [ 1 ]
- October 9: Nikkei carries a Kyodo dispatch reporting two buses hit and Zelensky's vow of retribution. [ 6 ]
- October 9: Nippon TV reports 33 killed and 20 injured, and 78 killed in Ukraine over two days. [ 8 ]