Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a family a father, mother and daughter were among the victims, describing the incident as a targeted attack on non-combatants

By Titilope Adako

A Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian passenger bus has killed nine civilians and left seven others with severe injuries, including burns, fractures and blast wounds.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a family a father, mother and daughter were among the victims, describing the incident as a targeted attack on non-combatants.

“All the deceased were civilians. The Russians could not have failed to understand what kind of vehicle they were targeting,” Zelensky said.

Ukrainian officials said the wounded are receiving medical attention and condemned the attack as a deliberate act of violence against civilians.

“This was a deliberate killing of civilians,” a government statement read, renewing calls for a full, unconditional ceasefire.

Ukraine urged the international community to impose stricter sanctions on Russia, warning that without stronger pressure, Moscow will not pursue genuine diplomacy.

Officials cited the lacklustre presence of the Russian delegation at recent peace talks in Istanbul as proof of their unseriousness.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov led Kyiv’s team at the negotiations, while Russia sent a mid-level delegation, despite President Zelensky’s earlier challenge for President Vladimir Putin to attend.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the talks, warning both sides: “There are two paths today — one leads to peace, the other to more destruction.”

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s position: “a full, unconditional and honest ceasefire must happen immediately to stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy.”

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