A devastating Russian missile attack struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday, killing at least 13 civilians and leaving approximately 30 others wounded in what officials describe as another assault on civilian areas. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, targeted residential buildings with high-speed missiles and glide bombs, according to regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared footage on his Telegram channel showing the grim aftermath: civilians receiving emergency treatment amidst debris-strewn streets. “There is nothing more brutal than aerial bombing of a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer,” Zelenskyy stated. In response to the tragedy, Governor Fedorov has declared Thursday a day of mourning.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of broader military developments. Earlier that day, Ukraine’s military claimed a successful strike on a Russian fuel storage depot near Engels in the Saratov region, approximately 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The targeted facility reportedly supplies a key Russian air base used for missile launches against Ukraine. Russian officials acknowledged the drone attack and reported damage to an industrial plant, though they claimed no casualties.
This latest exchange highlights Ukraine’s growing capability to strike deep within Russian territory, with Zelenskyy previously announcing weapons that could reach targets up to 700 kilometers away. Some Ukrainian drone attacks have even reached distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers, disrupting Russian logistics and challenging Kremlin defenses.
The ongoing conflict, now approaching its third year, has claimed thousands of civilian lives in what has become Europe’s largest military engagement since World War II. In response to these developments, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s need for robust security guarantees, particularly addressing recent discussions about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. He noted that several nations, including the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, have hesitated to support immediate NATO membership, though the alliance maintains that Ukraine remains on an “irreversible path” to joining.
The impact of these events has prompted Russian authorities to restrict flights at several airports, including Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk, underscoring the growing reach and effectiveness of Ukraine’s military capabilities.
