Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Drone Attack That Killed Nine Civilians on Passenger Bus

KEY POINTS

• Russian drone strike hits civilian passenger bus in Ukraine’s Sumy region, killing nine and injuring seven.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labels the attack a deliberate war crime targeting civilians.
• Zelenskyy renews calls for unconditional ceasefire and tougher global sanctions on Russia.
• Ukrainian officials urge the U.S., Europe, and allies to exert maximum pressure on Moscow.

In the early morning hours of May 17, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a grave statement following a deadly Russian drone strike on a civilian passenger bus in the Sumy region. The attack killed at least nine civilians and left seven others hospitalized with severe injuries, including burns, blast wounds, and fractures.

Among the dead were a family of three — a father, mother, and daughter — according to preliminary reports. Zelenskyy emphasized that this was a deliberate targeting of a clearly identifiable civilian vehicle, not a military target.

Victims and Aftermath

According to Zelenskyy, all injured survivors are receiving critical medical treatment in hospitals. The attack has sparked renewed outrage across Ukraine and among international observers who continue to document alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces.

The Ukrainian government reiterated its longstanding offer of a full and unconditional ceasefire to end the bloodshed but stressed that Moscow continues to reject diplomatic solutions in favor of continued aggression.

Calls for Sanctions and Diplomatic Action

President Zelenskyy criticized the Russian delegation at recent talks in Istanbul, calling it “weak and unprepared,” and warned that without substantial international pressure, Russia will remain unwilling to engage in meaningful peace negotiations. He urged the United States, European Union, and Ukraine’s global partners to impose stronger sanctions to curb Moscow’s war efforts.

A Barbaric Pattern

This is not the first time Russian forces have been accused of targeting civilians with drones, artillery, or missile attacks. However, this latest strike — aimed at a clearly marked civilian bus — is being described by Ukrainian officials as among the most egregious violations of international humanitarian law since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The Ukrainian government has pledged to pursue international accountability through legal and diplomatic channels, including the International Criminal Court.

Reporting based on official updates from President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian presidential aide Andrii Sybiha, as of May 17, 2025.