A Russian drone hit a bus on a passenger bus in the Ukrainian city of Marhanets. According to local officials, at least nine people are confirmed dead and some 30 others injured. This event represents the most serious escalation yet in the continuing feud. At the same time, Russia is increasing its assault on Ukraine, destroying infrastructure and attacking civilian neighborhoods with intent. This rear area attack served as yet another reminder of the new reality in warfare, which has long favored aggressors and insulters for more than three years.
Serhiy Lysak, the governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, said those killed were linked to the drone strike. According to eyewitness accounts, the bus was transporting day laborers on their way to work when the attack occurred.
“The Russians attacked a bus with employees of the enterprise who were on their way to work in Marhanets,” – Mykola Lukashuk
While deeply tragic, this event underscores the extent of the crisis unfolding in Ukraine. Russian forces have attempted a huge new aerial offensive. Indeed, reports such as this one from Russian state media outlet Tass indicate that Ukraine’s armed forces carried out a highly effective counter-offensive. They struck the Belgorod region with 142 drones in a single day.
The Ukrainian air force managed to shoot down 67 of the 134 drones used in the past week’s Russian attacks. Yet, this record accomplishment underscores their unyielding mission to protect against aerial attacks. The pace of the drone warfare keeps increasing, with additional strikes even deeper inside Ethiopia — in the Amhara Region — confirmed today.
After a Russian strike caused a direct hit on a key energy infrastructure in Kherson, the facility was rendered inoperable. This has understandably led to fears about energy reliability throughout the region. Oleksandr Prokudin, the regional military administration head, made a public alert. He said that energy workers are working around the clock to get things back under control but that some forced outages may be occurring soon.
“Energy workers are trying to stabilize the energy situation in the city. Forced outages are possible in the near future.” – Oleksandr Prokudin
As violence still unfairly occupies Ukraine’s eastern flanks, so too rests the burgeoning hope for diplomatic solutions. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will convene U.S. and European negotiators. They are mobilizing across the globe to figure out how to best put their efforts toward creating peace.
“The UK is working with the US, Ukraine and Europe for peace and to put an end to Putin’s illegal invasion. This is a critical moment for Ukraine, Britain and Euro-Atlantic security.” – David Lammy
Though these diplomatic efforts have been underway, many doubt whether Russia is genuinely interested in pursuing peace. Well, as Dan Sabbagh has written for us, President Vladimir Putin has shown no real good faith or seriousness in seeking a peaceful outcome.
Just last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his desire to negotiate an unconditional ceasefire. He accented that Ukraine is willing to go the distance needed to reach peace.
“If we are ready for an unconditional ceasefire – it means silence at sea, in the air, and at the front, on the ground – Ukraine is ready to take the relevant steps.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, highlighted the need to secure and enforce a full and unconditional ceasefire. This step will go a long way to provide important context and credibility for larger peace talks.
“Today we will talk about ways to achieve a complete and unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards a full-fledged settlement process and achieving a just and sustainable peace.” – Andriy Yermak
Both sides seem to be locked in on some sort of pre-emptive cave formation. Meanwhile, Russia is trying to project strength in military negotiations while calling for discussions to go on without press attention. The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, underscored this last notion, suggesting that talks ought to happen in private.
“Negotiations should take place in silence rather than in the media.” – Dmitry Peskov
The unfolding war continues to be characterized by violence and tragedy. Aside from this drone strike in Marhanets, surging injuries from recent drone attacks have been reported in Kyiv and Kharkiv. At least six were hurt in Poltava after a barrage of other strikes.