Why Did Lukashenko Fail To React In Any Way To The Tragedy Involving The Belarusian Bus Near Bryansk?
- 18.06.2026, 9:16
For the dictator, his rest on Wednesday is more important.
On the afternoon of June 17, a Belarusian bus carrying children was attacked by a drone in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, 45 km from the border with Ukraine. A female chaperone was killed, and eight people were reported injured, including two children in serious condition.
Alexander Lukashenko has remained silent—his press service reported only that he “heard reports” from officials, writes “Zerkalo”.
Belarusian propagandists are actively reacting to the tragedy in the Bryansk region. For instance, one of the propagandists wrote as early as yesterday at lunchtime that “for Lukashenko, children are sacred—believe me. We’re waiting for a response.”
However, Lukashenko remained silent even several hours after the tragedy—his press service reported only on “briefings” he received from two governors.
According to the reports, Lukashenko discussed topics such as “the pace of forage harvesting and the situation in the fields, efforts to ensure the safety of livestock, the construction of modern livestock complexes and preventive care facilities for calves, and production volumes” with the head of the Minsk Region. With the head of the Mogilev Region, he discussed “issues of regional development, agricultural performance indicators, and specific personnel matters.”
Earlier, “Zerkalo” wrote about such events allegedly involving the dictator. It appears he is using officials to make everyone think he is working on Wednesdays. However, it has long been evident that Lukashenko tries to rest on this day of the week.
Sources at “Zerkalo” who worked in Lukashenko’s administration noted that the dictator previously devoted about three days a week directly to work, while spending the rest of his time, for example, at his country residence.
So Lukashenko’s prolonged lack of response is apparently the result of his customary day off on Wednesdays.
What is known about the tragedy involving a drone strike on a bus
The tragedy occurred around 11:00 a.m. near the village of Rudnya, not far from the town of Pochep in the Bryansk Region—45 km from the border with Ukraine, with which Russia is at war. According to Russian officials, a drone struck the bus. There were 43 passengers on board. Eight people were injured, and one woman—the wife of a coach at the Rechitsa Children’s and Youth Sports School No. 2—was killed.
The Ukrainian General Staff deny any involvement in the strike on the bus, emphasizing that “during the specified period, the Ukrainian Armed Forces did not use unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in the Bryansk region.”