On Thursday, July 2, 2026, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted a tourist bus in Russia's Bryansk Region, resulting in injuries to three individuals. The bus was transporting 19 passengers from the Belarusian capital, Minsk, to the resort city of Anapa when it was struck near the Krasny Kamen border crossing. The incident has drawn condemnation from both Belarus and Russia, with officials labeling it a deliberate act of terrorism against civilians. Emergency services responded promptly, providing assistance to the injured and evacuating passengers to a temporary accommodation center.
The two drivers of the bus sustained shrapnel wounds, while one passenger was also reported injured. Following the attack, Belarusian citizens were relocated to the Gomel Region, while six Russian nationals remained at the facility in Bryansk. The attack has led to the temporary closure of the Krasny Kamen crossing, causing significant traffic delays as vehicles were halted at the border.
In the aftermath of the drone strike, Russia's Investigative Committee has initiated a terrorism investigation, accusing the Ukrainian military of targeting civilians. The acting governor of Bryansk Region, Egor Kovalchuk, described the incident as a targeted strike by “Ukrainian terrorists.” This attack follows a previous incident just weeks earlier, where another Ukrainian drone struck a bus carrying a Belarusian youth soccer team, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated tensions in the region, with Belarusian officials asserting that such attacks are attempts to provoke Belarus into the broader conflict. Belarusian MP Oleg Gaidukevich condemned the strike, emphasizing that those involved in terrorism would be held accountable. The situation remains tense, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning Ukraine against further escalation, reiterating Moscow's commitment to defend Belarus under their joint security pact, which includes the potential use of nuclear weapons.
