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Russia Targets Evacuation Bus in Sumy Region in Deadly Strike

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Severely damaged evacuation bus near Bilopillia after Russian drone strike on May 17, 2025. Bodies of victims lie nearby. (Source: SSU)
Severely damaged evacuation bus near Bilopillia after Russian drone strike on May 17, 2025. Bodies of victims lie nearby. (Source: SSU)

Nine civilians were killed and at least four others injured after a Russian drone strike hit an evacuation bus near the town of Bilopillia in Ukraine’s Sumy region on the morning of May 17, according to local authorities.

“This was an evacuation bus. People were being transported out of the city when a Lancet drone, guided by a reconnaissance UAV, hit the vehicle outside Bilopillia,” said Yurii Zarko, head of the local community.

The attack occurred at approximately 06:17 local time, shortly after the bus departed Bilopillia en route to Sumy.

Severely damaged evacuation bus near Bilopillia after Russian drone strike on May 17, 2025. Bodies of victims lie nearby. (Source: SSU)
Severely damaged evacuation bus near Bilopillia after Russian drone strike on May 17, 2025. Bodies of victims lie nearby. (Source: SSU)

According to the Sumy Regional Military Administration, the vehicle was part of a regular evacuation route for civilians from front-line areas near the Russian border. The strike reportedly involved a Lancet loitering munition, which was likely guided by a reconnaissance drone.

The head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Oleh Hryhorov, confirmed that emergency crews responded immediately, and all injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment. He described the incident as a direct hit on a civilian vehicle carrying people fleeing the area.

Interior of the bus after the drone impact, with victims visible among the debris. (Source: SSU)
Interior of the bus after the drone impact, with victims visible among the debris. (Source: SSU)

Law enforcement officials also confirmed the death toll and stated that police investigative teams are working at the site to document the aftermath, collect evidence, and identify those killed.

Some of the victims remain unidentified, but according to local officials, most were elderly women, with two to three men among the deceased.

Rear view of the targeted evacuation bus showing extensive damage and blood on the road. (Source: SSU)
Rear view of the targeted evacuation bus showing extensive damage and blood on the road. (Source: SSU)

The National Police of Ukraine noted that the bus was intentionally targeted and classified the incident as a violation of international humanitarian law.

Rescue operations at the site are ongoing, and the final casualty numbers may still change as authorities continue to assess the scene.

One of the deceased civilians lies on a stretcher near the wrecked bus interior after the drone attack. (Source: SSU)
One of the deceased civilians lies on a stretcher near the wrecked bus interior after the drone attack. (Source: SSU)

Earlier, on May 15, the Kharkiv Operational-Tactical Group reported that Russian forces had effectively begun their summer offensive. Ukrainian military spokesperson Pavlo Shamshin stated that there was no sign of a real ceasefire, as Russian troops continued to intensify attacks while regrouping and reinforcing positions.

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