Drone Attack Hits Ukrainian Train in Shostka; Kyiv Alleges Civilian Target, Moscow Claims Military Use
The war in Ukraine entered a new and alarming phase this week as Russian drone and missile strikes targeted railway infrastructure and passenger trains in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, leaving dozens wounded, at least one civilian dead, and entire towns without power.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, visiting the region on President Zelensky’s instructions, confirmed that electricity remains cut off across much of the area following repeated Russian strikes.
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| Image Source: Mahmood Khan on X |
The most devastating attack struck Shostka railway station, where two trains—a local commuter and a Kyiv-bound service—were hit in a coordinated drone assault, according to official statements.
The second strike came during evacuation efforts, leading Ukrainian officials to accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and emergency responders.
30+ Casualties, Civilian Targeting Confirmed
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a “savage strike on civilians,” reporting that at least 30 people were injured, including railway staff, passengers, and three children. A railway cashier was among those hospitalized, while one civilian was confirmed dead.
Zelensky said Russia “could not have been unaware” that it was targeting a civilian train station and accused Moscow of systematically violating the laws of war. “This is terror. And only strength can make them stop,” he warned, calling on the West to back up its statements with action.
Infrastructure Under Siege: Power Grid, Rail Lines Crippled
Russian drones and missiles didn’t stop with Shostka. Multiple strikes across the Sumy and Chernihiv regions targeted:
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A 110 kV traction substation powering the Chernihiv–Nosivka railway corridor, knocking out electric supply to major junctions including Chernihiv, Podusivka, and Losynivka.
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Oil depots and fuel storage tanks, including a 1,000 m³ tank at a local depot, were completely destroyed, triggering large-scale fires.
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A railway tank car in Chernihiv was also struck, igniting 150 m² of diesel fuel.
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The “Prydesnyanska” substation, key to rail energy infrastructure, took a direct hit.
As a result, critical rail sectors have been switched to diesel or battery backup, and emergency crews are working around the clock to restore basic connectivity.
Civilian or Military Target? Russian Campaign Escalates
Amid the carnage, pro-Russian and Kremlin-aligned outlets began pushing counter-narratives, claiming the struck trains were actually transporting Ukrainian military personnel or equipment, and not civilians.
One Russian-aligned account alleged the Kyiv–Shostka train was fitted with anti-drone grids, accusing Ukraine of using “human shield tactics” by mixing military cargo with passengers—claims Ukraine strongly denies.
Ukrzaliznytsia Chairman Alexander Pertsovsky called the allegations false and said train cars were filled with civilian evacuees, including women and children, at the time of the strike.
“We are restructuring our routes and using buses to reduce risk,” he said, but emphasized the goal is to maintain links with frontline communities, not abandon them.
Zelensky’s office warned that Russian disinformation campaigns are increasingly designed to justify war crimes after the fact, calling them a dangerous attempt to normalize civilian targeting in modern warfare.
Emergency Response and Civilian Support
Prime Minister Svyrydenko chaired a crisis meeting in the region with multiple ministries and state agencies, including:
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Ministry of Energy: Leading grid restoration efforts.
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Ministry of Digital Transformation: Working with telecom providers to restore mobile service.
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State Emergency Service and Naftogaz: Coordinating generator deployment and gas supply.
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National Commission for Energy Regulation (NERC): Monitoring regional recovery status.
She confirmed that “Points of Invincibility”—civilian shelters with power, heat, and internet—have been deployed and are operational across Sumy.
“We are delivering all necessary infrastructure from reserve stocks to reconnect homes quickly,” she said.
International Response: Calls for Accountability Mount
Ukrainian officials are once again urging the international community to move beyond rhetoric and enforce consequences for systematic Russian targeting of civilians.
In a direct appeal, Zelensky stated that lip service was no longer enough, saying:
“Every day Russia takes people’s lives. Only strength will make them stop. It’s time to act—not just speak.”
The strikes come as European sanctions against Russia were extended for another year, targeting so-called hybrid aggression campaigns, which include civilian terror, cyberattacks, and economic destabilization.
But in Ukraine, the sense is growing that sanctions and statements are not halting the missiles—and winter is coming.
Russia’s Winter Strategy: Freeze, Starve, Silence
Officials say the Sumy strikes are part of a broader Russian strategy to isolate border regions, damage energy supply, and use cold and darkness as weapons—a tactic previously seen during last winter’s energy grid attacks.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the Shostka attack and energy grid bombing “an attempt to use cold as a weapon in a genocidal war,” referencing Article II(c) of the Genocide Convention.
Ukraine is now urgently requesting additional air defense systems, long-range weapons, and emergency energy aid to survive a fourth wartime winter. Sybiha repeated the call to establish a joint European air defense shield, saying:
“Whether it’s drones over Poland or missiles on Shostka, we must protect ourselves together—or fall separately.”