Devastation in Southeastern Ukraine
A Russian guided bomb attack on Wednesday struck the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing at least 13 people and injuring 113, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The explosion left bodies strewn across roads, damaged public transport, and caused severe destruction to residential and industrial areas.
Rising Injury Toll and Aftermath
Prosecutors updated the injury count from 63 to 113 on Thursday morning, after rescue operations concluded late Wednesday.
- High-rise apartment buildings, an industrial facility, and other infrastructure were heavily damaged.
- Debris struck a tram and a bus carrying passengers, compounding the casualties.
According to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, two guided bombs were used to target a residential area.
- Of the 60 people hospitalized, 10 remain in serious condition.
- Thursday has been declared an official day of mourning in the city.
Medical Services Overwhelmed
Fedorov described the attack as the largest surge in medical assistance requests since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, calling it an act of cruelty and urging Western allies to increase pressure on Russia.
“There is nothing more cruel than launching aerial bombs on a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer,” Zelenskiy said on X.
Continued Russian Aggression
After the first strike, additional explosions were reported in the region:
- Russian troops shelled Stepnohirsk, a town south of Zaporizhzhia, killing two people.
- Two residents were rescued alive from rubble.
Russia frequently conducts airstrikes in the Zaporizhzhia region, much of which it partially occupies. Moscow has claimed to annex the region along with four others, including Crimea.
Attacks Spread to Kherson
In the Kherson region, which is also partially occupied by Russian forces, public broadcaster Suspilne reported:
- Two people killed.
- 10 others injured in attacks on multiple centers.
Global Implications
The ongoing Russian strikes highlight the devastating toll on Ukrainian civilians and underscore the need for international support to counter Russia’s aggression.
