Humanitarian Bus of 'Proliska' Targeted in Bilenke Attack
At approximately 2:30 PM in the village of Bilenke, located in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, a Russian FPV drone attacked a humanitarian bus operated by the 'Proliska' mission. The vehicle was transporting residents from this frontline community to the city of Zaporizhzhia when it was struck. Tragically, one passenger born in 1952 lost her life. Additionally, three others were wounded, including the driver, who remains in critical condition.
The bus was carrying 23 passengers along with the driver, most of whom were elderly. Following the assault, the driver sustained severe injuries and was urgently evacuated to a medical facility. A man born in 1947 suffered multiple shrapnel wounds and was also taken to the hospital. Another woman was injured by glass fragments, while other passengers experienced acoustic blast trauma. The bus was clearly marked with the 'Proliska' humanitarian mission logo and labeled as a 'social bus.'
Background of the Attack
This incident occurred on a road segment protected by anti-drone netting. According to Yevhen Kaplin, this social bus was the only transportation option serving the village, operating at the request of regional and local authorities. Commercial transport services had ceased, leaving residents without access to essential trips to the oblast center for administrative, medical, banking services, as well as purchasing food and medicine.
"Today, at around 2:30 PM in Bilenke village, Zaporizhzhia region, a Russian FPV drone attacked a 'Proliska' humanitarian social bus transporting frontline community residents to Zaporizhzhia," stated Yevhen Kaplin.
This marks the 121st attack targeting 'Proliska' staff and volunteers since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Evacuation of the wounded was carried out by special units of the national police and military personnel, supported by aerial cover due to the ongoing threat of further drone strikes. Bilenke is home to over 1,600 people.
The event highlights the ongoing dangers faced by civilians in Ukraine’s frontline regions, where humanitarian missions frequently become targets. Attacks on aid convoys severely disrupt access to vital services for populations already devastated by conflict. It is critical that the international community recognize these threats and take action to safeguard civilians in active war zones.