A Russian drone strike has killed at least 12 Ukrainian mineworkers after hitting a bus in the Dnipro region on Sunday, Ukrainian authorities said.
The attack happened just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a delay in US-backed peace talks with Russia, raising fresh concerns about Moscow’s intentions as diplomatic efforts stall.
Ukraine has accused Vladimir Putin’s forces of deliberately targeting civilians, calling the strike a “terrorist attack” amid growing international outrage.
What happened in the latest Ukraine-Russia war update?
At least 12 Ukrainian mineworkers were killed and several others injured after a Russian drone strike hit a bus in the Dnipro region on Sunday, Ukrainian officials said.
The attack came just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a delay in peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, raising fresh doubts about Moscow’s commitment to de-escalation.
The bus, owned by Ukrainian energy firm DTEK, was carrying miners home from a shift when it was struck. A fire broke out following the impact but was later extinguished by emergency crews.
The incident has triggered renewed international condemnation as Kyiv accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians.
Why is Russia being accused of a ‘terrorist attack’?
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, said Russian forces carried out what it described as “a large-scale terrorist attack” on its mining operations in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where Dnipro is located.
DTEK: “The epicentre of one of the attacks was a company bus transporting miners from the enterprise after a shift. This was a deliberate strike on civilians.”
Ukrainian officials said at least seven other workers were injured, some seriously. The victims were not military personnel, reinforcing claims that the strike breached international humanitarian law.
The accusation lands at a sensitive moment in the Ukraine-Russia war, as diplomatic efforts to pause the fighting show signs of strain.
How does this affect peace talks between Ukraine and Russia?
Earlier on Sunday, President Zelensky confirmed that a new round of US-brokered peace negotiations had been postponed.
The trilateral talks, involving Ukraine, Russia and the US, are now expected to take place on 4 and 5 February in Abu Dhabi.
Volodymyr Zelensky: “Ukraine is ready for a substantive discussion, and we are interested in ensuring that the outcome brings us closer to a real and dignified end to the war.”
The timing of the drone strike has fuelled scepticism in Kyiv and across Europe. Ukrainian officials argue that Russia’s continued attacks undermine any claim that Moscow seeks a diplomatic solution.
What is happening on the ground in Ukraine right now?
The drone attack in Dnipro forms part of a wider escalation in aerial strikes, particularly against energy and industrial targets.
Ukraine is facing freezing winter conditions, with temperatures dropping well below zero in parts of the country.
During a visit to oversee recovery work at damaged DTEK power station earlier today, I received terrible news that a bus carrying DTEK coal miners nearby had been hit by russian drones, killing at least 12 people and injuring 16 others. Details are still emerging, but we can… pic.twitter.com/LNnJYxneNl
— Maxim Timchenko (@TimchenkoMaxim) February 1, 2026
Russia has repeatedly targeted power stations, mines and transport infrastructure, leaving thousands without electricity or heating.
Aid efforts continue, including recent humanitarian deliveries from Germany, where surplus food supplies have been redirected to Ukraine.
Ukraine has also moved to tighten control over Starlink satellite terminals, after officials warned that Russian forces were using the technology to guide drones.
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov: “Only authorised Starlink terminals will be allowed to operate in Ukraine. Unverified terminals will be disconnected.”
How is Europe reacting to the Ukraine-Russia war escalation?
European leaders continue to warn that the conflict poses direct security risks beyond Ukraine’s borders. Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, said Russia could attempt to destabilise Europe by allowing former combatants to enter the EU.
Margus Tsahkna: “The war has produced battle-hardened fighters who pose a direct threat to Europe’s internal security.”
Calls are growing within the EU for tighter border controls and visa restrictions linked to Russian military personnel once active fighting ends.
Why does this matter to the UK public?
For the UK, the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia war have economic, security and humanitarian implications. Britain remains one of Ukraine’s key supporters, providing military aid, training and financial assistance.
Continued escalation could:
- Keep energy prices volatile, affecting UK households
- Increase pressure on defence spending
- Extend the humanitarian crisis, prompting further refugee support needs
The UK government has repeatedly stated that civilian attacks will not go unanswered, and Sunday’s strike is likely to intensify calls for tougher sanctions.
Key facts at a glance
- 12 miners killed, at least 7 injured in Dnipro drone strike
- The attack occurred hours after peace talks were delayed
- Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately targeting civilians deliberately
- New peace talks scheduled for 4–5 February in Abu Dhabi
- UK and EU leaders warn of wider security consequences
