At Least 33 Dead as Russia Bombs Ukraine's Kramatorsk; Zelensky Slams US
SCMP · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A Russian bomb attack killed at least 33 people in Kramatorsk, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the Donetsk region, on Thursday. The strike targeted two city buses operating on a street, making it one of the deadliest single attacks this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later criticized the United States for inaction and called on Washington to expand Starlink access for Ukraine.
Key Points
- At least 33 people died and 18 were wounded when Russian bombs struck two city buses in Kramatorsk on October 8, 2026
- Regional governor Vadym Filashkin said Russian forces view civilian buses as attractive targets because one strike can kill maximum people
- Kramatorsk and Sloviansk authorities halted public transport after the attack, with Filashkin stating "we have no right to risk" citizens' lives
- The Kramatorsk strike was part of a two-day wave of Russian attacks that killed 78 people and wounded 215 across Ukraine
- On October 8, a separate drone strike killed three people and wounded 14 in the capital Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko
- Another 22 people were killed when a residential building was hit in Pryluky, around 80 miles east of Kyiv
Why It Matters
Zelensky's accusation that the US is prioritizing economic ties with Russia over Ukraine's survival comes amid intensifying Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure . His appeal to expand Starlink access to target Russian ballistic-missile launchers reflects Ukraine's growing desperation for technological advantages as battlefield gains have slowed this year . The attack underscores Russia's continued strategy of targeting civilians in fortified Ukrainian cities even as its territorial gains in Donetsk have plateaued.
Zelensky's accusation that the US is prioritizing economic ties with Russia over Ukraine's survival comes amid intensifying Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure . His appeal to expand Starlink access to target Russian ballistic-missile launchers reflects Ukraine's growing desperation for technological advantages as battlefield gains have slowed this year . The attack underscores Russia's continued strategy of targeting civilians in fortified Ukrainian cities even as its territorial gains in Donetsk have plateaued.