Attack on passenger train kills four, injures others, and sparks global outrage as Zelenskyy condemns Russia
New Delhi: On January 28, 2026, Russian drones struck a passenger train travelling through the Kharkiv region. The train was carrying more than 200 civilians when it was attacked. One of the train’s carriages, which had 18 passengers, was directly hit by a drone.
According to Ukrainian officials, four people were killed in the attack, while two others were injured. Rescue teams are still searching for four passengers who remain missing. Prosecutors later said that remains of five victims were found at the site, suggesting the death toll could rise.
The train suffered severe damage, with parts of it catching fire after the strike. Emergency services and railway staff quickly evacuated passengers from the wreckage and moved them to safety using buses. Many passengers escaped unharmed, but the incident caused panic and trauma among those onboard.
Zelenskyy Condemns the Attack
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack, calling it a clear act of terrorism. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy said that striking a civilian passenger train has no military purpose.
He wrote that in any country in the world, whether in Europe, the United States, the Arab world, China, or elsewhere, such an attack would be considered terrorism. “There is no justification for targeting civilians,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that three Russian drones were involved in the strike and accused Russia of deliberately increasing its ability to kill and terrorize civilians. He described this as “the progress of terror” and said Russia must be held responsible not only for the attacks themselves but also for developing the capability to carry them out.
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The Ukrainian president expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said Ukraine would continue efforts to rescue missing passengers.
Attacks Also Hit Odesa
On the same day, Russian forces also launched drone and missile attacks on Odesa, Ukraine’s key southern port city on the Black Sea. These strikes killed three civilians and injured more than 20 others, including children.
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Several residential buildings were damaged, and emergency teams worked through the rubble to rescue survivors. Ukrainian officials said air defense systems intercepted many drones, but some still managed to hit civilian areas.
International Reaction and Legal Concerns
The attack on the train and the strikes on Odesa have sparked international outrage. Human rights organizations said that targeting civilian transport and residential areas violates international humanitarian law, which protects non-combatants during war.
Western countries condemned the attacks and called for accountability. Many leaders said such strikes undermine peace efforts and increase the need for stronger international pressure on Russia.
Zelenskyy urged the global community to unite to protect human life, saying this can be done by increasing pressure on Russia, punishing it for its actions, and continuing support for Ukraine. He thanked countries and individuals who have spoken out against the attacks.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The latest attacks highlight the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Emergency services remain under constant pressure as they respond to repeated strikes, especially during the harsh winter months. Civilians not only face physical injuries but also long-term psychological trauma.
Railways are a vital lifeline for Ukrainians, especially for evacuation and daily travel. Attacks on civilian trains have increased fear and insecurity among ordinary people trying to live normal lives amid the war.
Conclusion
The Russian drone strike on a civilian passenger train in the Kharkiv region, along with deadly attacks in Odesa, marks another grim chapter in the conflict. With more than 200 people on board the train, the incident has become a powerful symbol of the dangers civilians face.
As Ukraine calls for stronger international action, the attacks have renewed global focus on protecting civilians and holding those responsible accountable under international law.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
