Deadly Russian Drone Strike Hits Minibus in Kherson, Zelenskyy Confirms Casualties

Tragedy in Kherson

According to Главком: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed a devastating attack on civilian transport in Kherson on May 2, 2026. A Russian FPV drone struck a public minibus in the Dnipro district of the city at approximately 7:00 AM. The assault killed two people, including a woman employed by the municipal services. Seven others were wounded, several of whom also worked for the city's utility department.

'Seven victims of the Russian FPV drone strike on an ordinary city minibus in Kherson are receiving necessary medical care. Unfortunately, two people were killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Russia's Attack Statistics

In addition, the president disclosed the scale of Russian attacks over the past week. During this period, Russia launched a total of:

• nearly 1,600 drones,
• almost 1,100 guided aerial bombs (KABs),
• three missiles.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow is attempting to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense systems with massive, sustained barrages:

'Over this past week alone, Russia fired about 1,600 attack drones, nearly 1,100 guided aerial bombs, and three missiles at Ukraine. The Russians are trying to overload our air defense with mass attacks, which is why missile supplies are critical every single day. It is equally important that pressure on the aggressor does not weaken, because any easing of existing sanctions only fills the Russian war chest, which they spend on the war.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

During this same period, Russia also carried out other attacks, including an overnight strike on a residential apartment building in Kharkiv, as well as assaults on energy infrastructure in the Mykolaiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Sumy regions. These events underscore the ongoing nature of Russia's aggressive campaign in Ukraine and its devastating toll on civilians.

The incident in Kherson highlights the persistent threat that Russian aggression poses to Ukraine's civilian population. Attacks on public transport and infrastructure demonstrate the direct risk to human life and are worsening the humanitarian crisis in regions under fire. President Zelenskyy's expression of condolences and his call for sustained air defense support send a clear message about the urgent need for international assistance and the continued enforcement of sanctions against the aggressor.

The recent drone strike in Kherson is not an isolated incident; it follows a series of attacks that have targeted civilians in the region. Just weeks earlier, an assault in the Kherson area resulted in one fatality and eleven injuries among local residents. To understand the broader context of these ongoing threats to civilian safety, you can read more about the previous attack in this detailed report.