Two versionsKramatorsk, Donetsk region48.72°N 37.56°E
A strike on two passenger buses in Kramatorsk kills 33
It was the deadliest single strike of the year. Russian officials had not commented by publication.
What Russian state media says
- Moscow has repeatedly said it does not deliberately target civilians.NBC News · The Moscow Times
- Neither the Kremlin nor the Defense Ministry had commented on the Kramatorsk strike by publication.The Moscow Times · RFE/RL
- The same day, the Defense Ministry said 399 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight. That figure has not been independently verified.RFE/RL
What is documented
- Thirty-three people were killed and 18 wounded, according to regional authorities and prosecutors. Early reports said at least 30.CNN · RFE/RL · NPR / AP
- The strike hit a stop where two buses carrying passengers stood. Prosecutors said guided bombs were likely used.Al Jazeera · RFE/RL
- Police said drones then targeted officers helping the wounded. The city has halted public transport.CNN
The strike came a day after a missile attack on Pryluky in northern Ukraine killed 22 people, including five children. Kramatorsk is part of the belt of industrial cities in the Donetsk region, and Russian forces have moved close to its eastern edge.
President Zelensky said the strike would not go unanswered and urged allies to deliver promised defense packages.
Where accounts differEarly reports from AP, NPR and Al Jazeera gave at least 30 dead; CNN, RFE/RL and The Moscow Times later reported 33, citing regional authorities. We use the later confirmed figure.
Editor's view
When state channels say nothing about 33 deaths and the daily briefing lists only downed drones, viewers in Russia get half the picture. Our job is to show the other half, with sources.
SourcesVerified