The drivers risking death on Ukraine’s most dangerous bus routes

The Drivers Risking Death on Ukraine's Most Dangerous Bus Routes

A Harrowing Encounter on Route 14

The drivers risking death on Ukraine - On a routine morning in Kherson, Ukraine, Anatoly Dmytrov found himself in a life-threatening situation. Driving a bus along Route 14 in the southern city, he was caught off guard when a Russian drone struck the vehicle. The impact shattered the windows, and as the bus veered off course, Anatoly managed to reach the next stop, where a makeshift shelter provided temporary safety. "I looked in the mirror and saw blood splattered across the seats," he recounted. "I knew the threat wasn’t over—sometimes they send a second drone right after the first." His account highlights the relentless danger faced by public transport workers, who now navigate streets once considered safe, now transformed into high-risk zones.

"All the windows got smashed. I barely made it to the next stop, where there was a shelter. I looked in the mirror and saw blood. I thought—oh, I need to get to the shelter quickly because sometimes they send a second drone immediately," Anatoly said.

The Growing Threat to Public Transport

Kherson’s municipal transport company has confirmed that Russian drone attacks on buses have intensified since the start of 2022. According to their statement, the city has seen three fatalities, eight injuries, and damage to 21 trolleybuses and eight regular buses this year alone. Local authorities reported an additional six privately operated buses struck in 2026, underscoring the persistent danger. The city, with a pre-war population of around 300,000, now houses approximately 65,000 residents, many of whom rely on buses for essential travel to pharmacies and hospitals.

Rita Dobrinova on the Drone Campaign

Rita Dobrinova, a manager at Kherson’s municipal transport company, described the escalating drone assaults as a calculated strategy. "They’re using optic fibre cables now, which are hard to jam," she explained. "Some drones hover silently, while others act as scouts, scanning through windshields to identify targets." Her insights reveal how the attacks have evolved, making it increasingly difficult for drivers to anticipate threats. Dobrinova recalled a particularly grim incident: "There was a driver who had a bomb dropped directly on his head on April 11. It pierced the roof and struck him as he sat in the driver’s seat." This attack, among others, has left workers fearing for their lives with every trip.

"Some are just hovering, waiting. Others are scout drones. They look the driver right in the eye through the windscreen," Rita said. "There is a bus driver who had a bomb dropped literally on to his head on 11 April. It went through the cabin's roof and fell on his head," she recalled of one fatal attack.

Defensive Measures in a Siege

To mitigate the risks, Kherson authorities have implemented several protective measures. Anti-drone nets now line some of the busiest streets, shielding pedestrians and vehicles from aerial strikes. Bus drivers are equipped with helmets and bulletproof vests, though these offer limited protection against the high-speed projectiles used in attacks. The company also distributes drone detectors known as *chuyka*, but their effectiveness is constrained. These devices only alert drivers to drones using standard frequencies, leaving those relying on optic fibre cables undetected.

Despite these precautions, the threat remains constant. "The chuyka will beep once every hour or so, signaling a drone’s presence," Dobrinova noted. "But it doesn’t tell us how close it is or whether it’s heading for us." When the alarm sounds, drivers are instructed to halt, evacuate passengers, and guide them to nearby shelters. This protocol has become a grim routine for many, as the attacks continue to strike without warning.

Surviving the Impossible

For Eduard Zadorozhny, the danger extends beyond the buses themselves. On May 3, while traveling to work in a company van with colleagues, his vehicle was hit by a drone. "We got out of the van, but the attack didn’t stop there. When the ambulance arrived, it was also targeted," he said. The incident not only injured him but also claimed the life of an engineer, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the attacks. Eduard, who suffered a concussion, emphasized the legal implications: "Deliberately attacking medical personnel is a war crime, yet it happens every day."

"What they do is hit you, and then they hit you again. They've turned people's lives into a horror show," Eduard told the BBC.

The Reason Behind the Resilience

Despite the constant peril, bus drivers like Maksym Dyak remain steadfast in their duties. "We need to get people to their pharmacies and hospitals: children and the elderly, everyone who has stayed here, everyone who still lives here," he said. "No-one apart from us will do this. We realize that if we abandon these people, no one else will drive them." Dyak, who has been hit by a drone and hospitalised with a broken rib and shrapnel wounds, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues. "We work like rats in a cage. We get attacked from every side, but we keep driving," he added.

"We work like rats in a cage. We get attacked from every side, but we keep driving," Maksym said.

Living in a City Under Fire

Kherson, though firmly under Ukrainian control, has become a frontline city. Since its brief occupation by Russian forces in early 2022, the area has endured relentless attacks across the Dnipro River. Public transport, once a lifeline for the community, now symbolizes the city’s resilience amid conflict. Drivers like Anatoly, Rita, Eduard, and Maksym are not just navigating roads—they’re navigating the frontlines of a war that has reshaped their daily lives.

The psychological toll of these attacks is evident. Many drivers report sleepless nights, constantly on edge. "It’s no fun working here," Anatoly admitted. "This happens almost every day, they’ve started hunting buses down. You go to work and you have no idea if you are going to come home." For him and others, the job has become a test of courage, with survival hinging on split-second decisions and unyielding determination.

As the conflict drags on, the question remains: why do drivers keep returning to their routes? The answer lies in the human spirit and the critical role public transport plays in sustaining life. "Without us, the city would fall apart," Dyak said. "Even if we’re scared, we can’t stop. We’re the only ones keeping the system running." This resolve, however, is not without cost. Each drone strike leaves a mark on both the vehicles and the drivers who operate them, serving as a constant reminder of the war’s unrelenting presence.

The story of Kherson’s bus drivers is one of sacrifice and perseverance. While the city’s infrastructure is under siege, these individuals continue to serve, ensuring that the people they transport can access vital services. Their bravery is a testament to the enduring will of a community battered by war but still striving to rebuild. As the drone attacks persist, their journey remains a symbol of hope in the face of fear.