Dramatic Rescue: Baby Evacuated from Burning Train After Russian Strike as Ukraine Braces for New Offensive

In a harrowing incident underscoring the relentless human toll of the conflict, a baby was rushed from a passenger train engulfed in flames after a Russian drone strike in northeastern Ukraine. The attack, which left five dead, comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns of an impending "new massive strike" by Russian forces, escalating tensions and casting a pall over potential diplomatic efforts.

Deadly Train Strike and Dramatic Rescue

A Russian drone strike targeted a passenger train in a village in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, resulting in five fatalities. Prosecutors reported finding fragments of bodies at the scene, indicating the brutality of the attack. Online footage captured at least two train carriages ablaze next to a snow-covered rail bed. Amidst the chaos, a dramatic video showed the moment a baby was evacuated from the burning train, a stark image of the civilian impact of the war, as reported by Sky News. Freelance journalist Jen Stout, based in Kyiv, described these as "lifeline trains" for many Ukrainians, emphasizing the horrific nature of the attack on essential transportation.

Zelenskyy's Warning and Diplomatic Stagnation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a grave warning, stating on social media that "the Russians are preparing a new massive strike." Citing Ukrainian intelligence, he called upon the US, Europe, and other allies to recognize how such actions "discredit diplomatic talks." This warning comes amidst reports of a potential new round of trilateral discussions between the US, Russia, and Ukraine. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Donald Trump's top envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who participated in previous talks, would not be involved in the upcoming meeting, suggesting a shift in diplomatic approach or personnel.

Mounting Casualties and Putin's Ambitions

A report from the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies claims that Russian forces have suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties – a figure reportedly higher than any major power since World War II. The research also suggests that Russia's offensive campaigns have advanced slower than almost any major offensive in the past century. The Kremlin has consistently rejected such figures, deeming them unreliable. Military analyst Michael Clarke, in a Q&A with Sky News, estimated potential Russian casualties (dead and wounded) at 1.2 million and Ukrainian casualties at up to half a million. Clarke further suggested that while Donald Trump seeks a swift peace deal, Vladimir Putin is “on a roll” and not interested in an immediate ceasefire, seeing this as his moment, particularly with a "permissive environment" in the White House. Trump, conversely, desires an end to the war to pursue "real estate deals, energy deals, development deals, minerals deals" with Russia.

Ukrainians Endure Harsh Winter Conditions

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians continue to face immense hardship, enduring a brutal winter exacerbated by Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. Deborah Haynes, Sky News' security and defence editor, reported from Kyiv on how residents like 70-year-old Tatiana are coping with intermittent power cuts and lack of heating. Tatiana, for instance, resorts to using a gas oven for warmth in her apartment. These deliberate strikes against the energy system have led to widespread power outages, affecting heating, electricity, and water supplies across the country, often for days. Temperatures have plummeted as low as -20C, creating a perilous situation for vulnerable populations. Military analyst Michael Clarke described these attacks as potential war crimes, stating that "it's automatically a war crime to try to make civilians suffer in a war" and that "the intention is anti-civilian." Despite the severe conditions, Clarke observed "no sign that this is actually diminishing the determination of the Ukrainians to somehow survive," noting their reliance on "resilience centres" providing warmth, food, and charging facilities.

EU Moves to Phase Out Russian Gas

On the economic front, the European Union has taken a significant step towards reducing its reliance on Russian energy. EU countries have approved a legally binding plan to phase out Russian gas imports by late 2027. Under this new framework, gas shipments from non-Russian countries will reportedly be subject to "prior authorisation," requiring companies to provide proof of the production country five days before arrival in the EU. However, key suppliers such as the US, Norway, Qatar, the UK, Algeria, and Nigeria are expected to be exempt from these extra checks, reflecting an effort to secure alternative energy sources while minimizing bureaucratic hurdles for trusted partners, according to a Reuters report detailed by Sky News.