Russian drone strike on February 1, 2026, hit near a civilian bus in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than a dozen others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The bus was traveling through the Pavlohrad district and was carrying civilians, many of them mine and energy sector workers returning home from their shifts, when the explosion occurred. The blast caused severe damage to the bus, shattering its windows and leaving debris scattered across the road.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, where several victims were pronounced dead, while others were treated for serious injuries. The wounded were evacuated to hospitals in Pavlohrad and Dnipro, with medical officials saying some remain in critical condition. Regional authorities strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate strike on civilians and stressing that the area was not close to any known military targets. Ukrainian officials said the incident reflects a pattern of drone attacks increasingly affecting civilian life far from the front lines. The bus strike was part of a wider wave of Russian drone attacks launched across central and eastern Ukraine the same day. Other strikes reportedly damaged residential buildings and infrastructure, worsening power outages in several communities already struggling with electricity shortages during harsh winter conditions. Sub-zero temperatures have further complicated rescue operations and infrastructure repairs.
The incident came at a sensitive moment diplomatically, as Ukrainian leaders have signaled openness to renewed international efforts aimed at reducing hostilities. However, officials in Kyiv warned that continued attacks on civilians undermine confidence in any potential de-escalation or ceasefire talks. Russia has not issued an immediate response to the specific incident, but has repeatedly denied deliberately targeting civilians, saying its operations focus on military and strategic infrastructure. For residents of Dnipropetrovsk and surrounding areas, the attack has heightened fears about safety as the conflict continues with no clear end in sight. Overall, the strike highlights the growing humanitarian cost of the war, particularly during winter, as civilians face on-going threats from drone warfare, damaged infrastructure, and worsening living conditions.
