Belarus Lodges Formal Protest with Ukraine Over Drone Attack on Civilian Bus

Belarus's Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires, Ivan Novitsky, on June 18, 2026, and delivered a formal note of protest regarding a drone attack on a civilian bus in Russia's Bryansk Region. The attack occurred on June 17, 2026, and targeted a bus carrying Belarusian citizens, predominantly children, resulting in casualties. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ruslan Varanov confirmed the diplomatic action, stating that Novitsky was informed of Belarus's formal complaint over what the ministry characterizes as a Ukrainian drone operation against civilian targets. The incident has escalated tensions between Belarus and Ukraine, with Minsk taking an official diplomatic stance by summoning the Ukrainian representative and issuing a formal protest note. The attack on the bus represents a significant point of contention in the already strained relations between the two countries, particularly given the involvement of civilian passengers and children.