Zaporizhzhia: In a tragic escalation of violence, Russia unleashed a barrage of five missiles upon the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, claiming the lives of at least four individuals and leaving 20 others wounded. The assault not only caused significant damage to residential complexes but also inflicted severe blows to industrial facilities, announced the regional governor.
Among the wounded were two journalists who were actively covering the aftermath of the strikes. Zaporizhzhia, situated perilously close to the frontline in the ongoing conflict with Russian forces, bore witness to harrowing scenes as reporters scrambled to aid their injured colleagues, captured vividly by Reuters TV footage.
Speaking on national television, Ivan Fedorov, the local governor, recounted the relentless onslaught, stating, “What marks today’s strikes: first, there were two missile strikes, and then, about 40 minutes later, there were other strikes at the same place – just as rescuers, police started working.”
The local prosecutor’s office confirmed that among the wounded were 20 individuals, including a nine-year-old child, with four currently hospitalized in critical condition. Fedorov detailed the extent of the damage, noting the destruction of at least three apartment blocks, 10 private residences, as well as several shops and an unidentified industrial facility.
The Reuters TV footage depicted the chaos that ensued, with explosions reverberating through residential streets and plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Journalists, undeterred by the danger surrounding them, abandoned their equipment to administer vital first aid to a fellow colleague, injured and prone on the ground, until emergency services could intervene.
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Amidst the rubble and devastation, rescue crews uncovered the tragic sight of a victim amidst a pool of blood, while flames engulfed at least two vehicles nearby. Images shared by Fedorov and the interior ministry further showcased the havoc wreaked, with shattered windows of local establishments serving as poignant reminders of the brutality of the assault.
The Ukrainian Air Force issued a ballistic missile raid alert for the region, particularly concerning as parts of it remain under Russian occupation. Recent developments indicate Moscow’s increased reliance on ballistic missiles, presenting a formidable challenge to interception efforts. Additionally, reports emerged of intense air attacks targeting the northeastern Kharkiv region, though casualties have yet to be confirmed.
Earlier in the day, Russian officials levied accusations against Ukraine, alleging an attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, located southwest of the city. The facility, already under Russian occupation, reportedly came under fire from Ukrainian military drones. However, the facility’s press service asserted that no damage was inflicted upon critical infrastructure.
Despite past accusations exchanged between the conflicting parties regarding shelling incidents at the power plant, independent verification of the alleged incident remains elusive. The ongoing conflict, spanning two years, continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides, with civilian populations caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.
