Russian Strikes Kill 30 in Eastern Ukraine as Winter Attacks Intensify

KYIV, Ukraine — At least 30 people have been killed and 18 others injured in Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine, including an attack on a public bus, according to Ukrainian authorities, as intensified attacks continue ahead of winter.

The strikes have further disrupted civilian life in Ukraine, with authorities suspending public transport in parts of the Donetsk region because of deteriorating security.

Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk regional military administration, said public transportation in Kramatorsk and neighbouring Sloviansk had been halted.

Filashkin accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting civilians and said authorities could not risk the lives of passengers and drivers under the current security conditions.

Ukrainian authorities have also installed protective netting in some areas as part of efforts to reduce the impact of drone attacks.

Deadly Strike on Pryluky

The latest attacks followed deadly missile strikes on the northern Ukrainian town of Pryluky, where the death toll rose to 22, including five children.

At least 54 people were injured in the attack, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Emergency crews continued searching the remains of a residential building struck by a missile, with rescuers using heavy equipment and search dogs to look for people who remained unaccounted for.

The attack left parts of the building severely damaged. Some residents were reportedly forced to remain in damaged apartments after struggling to find alternative accommodation.

The strikes have added to concerns about Ukraine's ability to protect its population and critical infrastructure as temperatures fall and winter approaches.

Kyiv Hit by Overnight Drone Attacks

The capital Kyiv was also targeted by Russian drones late Wednesday.

Police said four people were killed and 12 others injured in attacks on the Obolonskyi and Desnianskyi districts. Four children were among those injured.

The attacks have also contributed to worsening electricity disruptions in Kyiv, adding further pressure on residents and emergency services.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia could intensify missile and drone attacks as winter approaches and renewed his appeal to NATO countries for additional air-defence support.

Zelenskyy called for greater supplies of anti-ballistic systems, ammunition for Ukrainian combat aircraft and investment in interceptor capabilities, arguing that such assistance could help protect civilians.

Ukraine Reports Strike on Russian Oil Facility

Separately, Ukraine said its forces had carried out a strike against a major oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Salavat, a city about 1,200 kilometres east of Moscow.

Ukraine's General Staff described the facility as one of Russia's largest oil refining and petrochemical complexes.

The reported strike is part of the broader long-range campaign between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides increasingly targeting infrastructure and facilities far from the main front line.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has continued for more than four years, with neither side achieving a decisive breakthrough along much of the battlefield.

As winter approaches, attacks on energy infrastructure and cities are expected to remain a major concern, particularly for Ukraine, where authorities are preparing for renewed pressure on electricity and heating systems.