A Russian drone attack on February 1, 2026, targeted a civilian bus carrying coal miners in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, killing at least 12 and injuring 16 others, according to Ukrainian officials and energy firm DTEK. The incident occurred near Ternivka outside Pavlohrad, as workers from DTEK's Pavlohrad mine returned home after shifts. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha confirmed the toll, with seven injured in critical condition hospitalized.
Ukraine described it as a deliberate "double-tap" strike: A first Shahed drone hit near the bus, causing the driver to crash into a fence; as passengers fled, a second drone struck civilians directly. Defense advisor Serhii Beskrestnov stated operators "100% recognized the civilian target" from Russian territory. DTEK CEO Maksym Timchenko called it the firm's "largest single loss" since the 2022 invasion, amid broader attacks on its mines.
President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled it a "demonstrative crime" showing Russia's escalation intent, despite U.S.-brokered talks. The strike followed Trump's claim of a Putin-agreed pause on city attacks (Kyiv only, ended Feb 1), with next trilateral negotiations set for UAE February 4. Russia has not commented; Ukraine demands accountability as war crimes probe.
