Russian forces conducted a significant drone assault on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia late on Tuesday, causing fires, injuring 12 individuals, and causing extensive destruction to buildings and vehicles, as reported by the regional governor.
Ivan Fedorov, communicating through the Telegram messaging app, mentioned that the attack resulted in the destruction of cars, shops, and seven residential blocks. He also stated that 12 injured persons were receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
Fedorov, in an online video, stated, “A rescue operation is currently in progress at 12 different sites,” noting the deployment of multiple units from the State Emergency Services, national police, and medical teams.
Images shared online depicted firefighters battling fires at high-rise apartments and vehicles in Zaporizhzhia. Emergency services, updating via Telegram, indicated that the fires were being contained, and rescue efforts were ongoing.
A section of the Zaporizhzhia region is currently under Russian control, with Russian forces holding significant territory. Despite recent advances by Russian forces, the city of Zaporizhzhia itself remains under Ukrainian jurisdiction.
Yevgeny Belitsky, the Russia-appointed leader of the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, accused Ukrainian forces of attacking power infrastructure within Russian-controlled areas. He mentioned on Telegram that power had been disrupted for 40,000 customers in towns under Russian control in the region.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022, causing continuous warfare between the neighboring countries. Both Ukraine and Russia have extensively used drones during the conflict, necessitating adaptations to counter evolving threats posed by hostile drone activities.
