Ukraine claims 4 killed as Russian drone hits passenger train in Kharkiv region

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least four people were killed and two others injured as a Russian drone strike hit a passenger train in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday.

Zelenskyy said that the train was carrying "over 200 people" and "18 were in the carriage hit by one of the Russian drones."

"Overall, this attack involving three drones has so far resulted in four confirmed deaths," he said on US social media company X.

He added that rescue teams are searching for four more people, and two others have been injured.

The Kharkiv Region Prosecutor's Office also said in a statement on Telegram that two drone hits were recorded near the train, and another one hit a wagon, where a fire broke out following the strike.

​​​​​​​Russian authorities did not comment on the incident immediately, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing conflicts.

Kharkiv, bordering Russia, frequently faces airstrikes and drone attacks due to its proximity to the frontline.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine's State Emergency Service also reported that at least three people were killed and 25 others injured due to an overnight Russian airstrike in the country's southern port city of Odesa.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force claimed on Telegram that the country's air defenses shot down 135 out of 165 drones launched by Russia overnight.