Russian strikes kill 2 in Ukraine as Kyiv struggles to counter Russian attacks

KYIV, Oct 9 — Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's latest deadly attack, claiming two buses were purposefully targeted in the frontline city of Kramatorsk, resulting in the deaths of 30 people. Zelensky expressed his determination that the attack "will not go unanswered" after photos revealed the devastation caused by the explosion. The Ukrainian leader urged the world to respond to Russia's actions, warning the death toll could rise.

Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet with a US team in Washington, D.C. over the next two days for discussions on new proposals and ideas. The United States is also inviting delegations from Britain, France, Germany, NATO, and the European Union to join the talks. US officials expressed concern about the approaching winter, fearing a challenging season if the war continues.

The recent strikes in Kramatorsk follow a separate attack that killed five young children and 22 others when a Russian missile hit an apartment block in Pryluky, Ukraine. UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned the wave of Russian attacks on civilians, describing the scale and manner of the attacks as "reprehensible." Russia claims the eastern Donetsk region as its own, but Kramatorsk has not yet been captured by Russian forces.

Dozens of civilians have been killed or injured as both sides intensify long-range attacks. The United Nations has verified over 17,000 civilian deaths, though experts believe the actual number is significantly higher. Amnesty International's deputy director of human rights operations, Volker Turk, emphasized the need for constant care to protect civilians from harm.