Seven people were killed in two separate attacks on buses in Russian-controlled Ukraine's Luhansk region, the Russian-installed governor said, as Kyiv was targeted overnight in a Russian drone strike on a warehouse and the European Union disbursed another €4.36 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Russian-installed governor Leonid Pasechnik reported the bus attacks on the MAX messenger, saying 14 people were injured including two boys aged 15 and 17.
In Kyiv, a Russian drone strike hit a warehouse overnight, the latest in a series of attacks on the capital. No casualties from that strike were immediately reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that safeguarding Russia's interests in Ukraine could not be contingent on the state of affairs in the United States after the US election. “Russia's interests will be secured either through military means, by continuing the special military operation, or through peaceful means, should someone in Kyiv emerge who possesses the political will and is prepared to take on the political responsibility,” Peskov said. He added that Russia wants a peaceful settlement but that has not been possible so far.
The European Commission disbursed another €4.36bn to Ukraine as part of its previously agreed €90bn support loan programme. The Commission said the money would help Ukraine meet its financing needs and allow key public services to continue. “As Russia continues its relentless attacks, Ukraine is about to start its fifth wartime winter. And as efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine continue, so too does the EU's unwavering support,” von der Leyen said.
In a related development, Sweden said it would reintroduce internal border controls for six months from 12 November, citing the serious security situation resulting from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which it said had led to hybrid threats and hostile actors moving within the Schengen area.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The bus attacks and drone strike underscore the ongoing toll on civilians as the war approaches its fifth winter, with no sign of de-escalation.
- The EU's €4.36bn payment is part of a massive support package that keeps Ukraine's government functioning amid relentless Russian assaults on infrastructure.
- Kremlin statements ruling out any linkage to US election results signal Moscow's commitment to its current strategy regardless of American political shifts.
Background
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Russian forces occupy parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, including Luhansk region. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Western allies have provided substantial military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while imposing sanctions on Russia. The Kremlin consistently describes its actions as a 'special military operation' and calls for Ukraine to accept Russian terms.
Key Perspectives
Russian-installed governor Leonid Pasechnik: reported the bus attacks in Luhansk, blaming Ukrainian forces (not explicitly stated but implied by source context).
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: said Russia's interests in Ukraine will be secured either militarily or through peace if Kyiv shows political will, and that the US election outcome does not affect Russia's stance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: expressed unwavering EU support for Ukraine as it faces its fifth wartime winter, and announced fresh funding.
What to Watch
- Whether Ukraine responds to the Luhansk bus attacks with counterstrikes or changes in front-line tactics.
- The effectiveness of Sweden's six-month internal border controls in countering alleged hybrid threats from Russia.
- Any shift in Ukrainian leadership's willingness to enter peace talks after recent battlefield developments and winter conditions.