A Russian drone strike on a commuter train at a railway station in Dnipro has killed 14 people, while separate attacks on residential areas in Chernihiv and Kremenchuk have claimed five lives, including those of two 15-year-old girls, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday (local time). The three attacks left 56 people injured, including 10 children, he said, accusing Moscow of continuing to target civilian infrastructure despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, news agency ANI reported.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Russian forces had struck residential areas in Chernihiv and Kremenchuk in addition to the attack on the commuter train in Dnipro.
“Thank you, Emmanuel, for your condolences. Unfortunately, the death toll from the Russian strike on a commuter train in Dnipro has already risen to 14. And just a few hours ago, the Russians struck a residential neighborhood in Chernihiv with a drone and killed two girls. They were only 15 years old. In Kremenchuk, a Russian ‘shahed’ struck an apartment building. Tragically, three people were killed. My condolences to all those who lost their loved ones. In these three attacks alone, 56 people have been reported injured, including 10 children,” Zelenskyy said, in reply to a tweet posted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy described the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians and accused Russia of continuing its military campaign even as a humanitarian operation was under way in Oleshky.
“These are deliberate strikes against civilians, brazen in their cruelty, and the Russians are carrying them out right as the humanitarian operation in Oleshky is unfolding. Russia’s signals are clear – they want the war to continue, and everyone around the world must still work very hard to achieve major de-escalation through strong steps and appropriate pressure on the aggressor,” he said.
Zelenskyy called on the international community to intensify pressure on Russia, arguing that Moscow’s actions indicated its intention to continue the war despite diplomatic efforts to secure de-escalation.
Macron calls for renewed peace efforts, urges Russia to negotiate
“Peace is needed – and for that to happen, Russia must end its war and terror,” he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed solidarity with Ukraine following the attack in Dnipro and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
In a post on X, Macron said he had learned with “deep emotion” about the Russian drone strike on the railway station and extended his condolences to Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.
Macron said international efforts must go beyond a limited ceasefire arrangement in Oleshky, in Ukraine’s Kherson region, and urged Moscow to engage in negotiations.
“It is intolerable that Russia continues to oppose all proposals to this end, continuing to bet on escalation and targeting civilians. Together, we must redouble our efforts for a just and lasting peace and bring Russia to the negotiating table,” Macron said.
The attacks have renewed calls from Kyiv for stronger sanctions against Moscow. Zelenskyy has urged the European Union, the United States and the Group of Seven (G7) to introduce additional measures against Russia’s military apparatus and avoid easing existing restrictions while the war continues.
Meanwhile, a local ceasefire around Oleshky was announced to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians in the affected area. However, the latest strikes have raised fresh concerns about the prospects for broader de-escalation.
(With ANI inputs)
Russia's drone strike on Ukraine train kills 14, says President Zelenskyy
