Attack hit a van that was carrying civilians in the northeast of the country on Saturday morning (17.MAI); left 7 other people injured
A Lancet Russian drone hit a civil transport van to Sumy, in northeastern Ukraine, and killed 9 people on Saturday morning (17.MAI.2025). The attack was held near the city of Bilopillia, a few kilometers from the border with Russia. According to the mayor of Sumy, Artem Kobzar, the attack injured 7 other people, and 4 of them are in serious condition.
The attack occurred hours after a meeting between delegations from Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Turkey, the 1st face -to -face among the 2 countries in more than 3 years. At the meeting, the exchange of 1,000 prisoners on each side was agreed, but without definition of ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the incident as a “Deliberate Civil Attack”. So far, the Russian army has not commented on the attack.
Watch the moment when Ukrainian authorities rescue victims (41s):
The hospitals are now seven wounded after the Russian drone strike on a normal minibus. People have burns, fractures, contusion. Everyone receives the help you need. Unfortunately, there are killed – nine people. All parts are checked. According to preliminary information, the Russians killed the family: father,…
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@zelenskyyua)
The city of Bilopillia had approximately 15,000 inhabitants before the war. The town has suffered bombing for months, with intensification in recent days. Residents report that the Russians launch heavy air bombs on the municipality continuously.
“The Russians could not fail to understand what kind of vehicle were aiming”declared Zelensky. The Ukrainian President also again charged “Strong sanctions” against Russia.
The European Union must approve a new set of sanctions next Tuesday (20.MAI.2025), but there is still no confirmation if the United States will follow the same path.
