Russian shelling kills 13 in Zaporizhzhia – Ukraine
3 min read
At least 13 people have been killed and 32 others injured in a Russian shelling attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, according to local authorities. The attack occurred in the middle of the day and targeted residential areas, causing widespread devastation.
Regional head Ivan Fedorov described the attack as “cynical” and noted that two guided aerial bombs hit residential buildings, resulting in a significant number of casualties. Footage from the scene showed a high-rise building engulfed in flames, while several vehicles were also seen burning in the aftermath.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and urged international allies to put pressure on Russia for its actions, labeling them as “terror.” The Russian military has not yet commented on the incident, which adds to the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Fedorov provided further details in a video message from the bombed area, explaining that the shelling began around 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Wednesday. Initially, he had stated that the attack had targeted “industrial infrastructure,” but he later clarified that residential buildings were hit directly by the aerial bombs.
Graphic images shared online showed the grim aftermath, with first responders treating casualties on the roadside. Several vehicles were left ablaze, and a stationary tram had its windows shattered. One particularly harrowing video depicted at least two minibuses with blown-out windows, with what appeared to be casualties lying amid debris and rubble on the road.
Zaporizhzhia, which is located near the front lines of the ongoing war, has been a frequent target for Russian forces. The attack highlights the dangers faced by civilians living in areas close to active conflict zones. In the wake of the attack, President Zelensky expressed his outrage at the indiscriminate nature of the assault, emphasizing that there is nothing more cruel than targeting a city with aerial bombs, fully aware that innocent civilians would bear the brunt of the violence.
Zelensky called for increased support from Ukraine’s allies, stressing that only through strength could such a war be brought to an end with a lasting peace. The president’s appeal for international pressure on Russia underscores the urgency of the situation, as the conflict continues to devastate Ukrainian cities and communities.
In a show of solidarity with the victims of the attack, a day of mourning will be observed across the Zaporizhzhia region on Thursday. Local officials have promised to honor the lives lost and support those affected by the bombing. The region, which has faced significant hardship during the ongoing war, is now grappling with the emotional and physical toll of yet another deadly attack.
This assault on Zaporizhzhia is part of a broader pattern of Russian military actions targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Despite widespread condemnation from the international community, Russia’s tactics have remained focused on inflicting damage to both military and civilian targets. The Ukrainian government, alongside its allies, has continued to call for stronger measures to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to ensure that the war ends as soon as possible.
As the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to unfold, the global community watches with growing concern. The attack is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict, with ordinary civilians caught in the crossfire. While the war rages on, President Zelensky’s calls for international support highlight the importance of unity in the face of aggression and the need for a sustained effort to bring peace to Ukraine.
With the toll of the war continuing to rise, both in terms of lives lost and the long-term impact on the population, the international community faces a critical moment in its response to Russia’s invasion. As Ukraine prepares to mourn the victims of this latest attack, the fight for peace and justice remains as urgent as ever.
About The Author
