A Ukrainian soldier has described the moment a passenger train was targeted by Russian drones, killing five people. When a carriage on the train was hit in northeastern Ukraine, passengers threw themselves on the floor in panic. Without instruction issued by the military officer, many more passengers could have died. The officer, known as Omar, was part of Ukraine's 93rd brigade and traveling on a route from Chop to Barvinkove, near the front line in eastern Ukraine.

The first of three Russian drones landed near the train, forcing it to come to a halt. Moments later, another drone strike caused a powerful explosion that shattered parts of the carriage. As the commander of a drone unit, Omar quickly realized the need for evacuation as the train could be attacked again. With 291 people on the train during the incident, he navigated through chaos urging passengers to flee towards safety.

In the aftermath, Omar sought to check for casualties and survivors, tragically encountering five deaths, including a body left behind. However, he was relieved to find a young woman with a baby amidst the wreckage, who expressed fears for her suitcase and documents. The attack was not only detrimental physically but also struck at the heart of Ukraine's railway resilience, a crucial transport system for millions.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as terrorism, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and vigilance in the war-torn country. Flags flew at half-mast across Ukraine in remembrance of the victims, underscoring the heavy toll of the ongoing conflict on civilians.}