Zaporizhzhia:Russian and Ukrainian strikes overnight resulted in the death of at least 17 people, including three children, and injured more than 20 others, as officials reported on Saturday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia was struck by a Russian attack, killing 17 people, including three children, as reported by Ukraine's State Emergency Service on Telegram. Ivan Fedorov, co-chair of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Defense Council, stated that 16 people were injured, and search and rescue efforts continue with six individuals still unaccounted for.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on US social media platform X, linking the attack to a recent lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, mentioning that Russia dropped five glide bombs on residential areas in Zaporizhzhia. Zelenskyy emphasized that residential buildings, infrastructure, and railway facilities suffered damage. He expressed that any easing of pressure on Russia seems to embolden further aggression, underscoring the need for Moscow to cease hostilities.
Ukraine's Air Force reported on Telegram that Russia launched 160 drones, with 117 being shot down or suppressed.
In Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack in the Rostov region injured six people, according to regional Governor Yury Slyusar. Damage was reported to several buildings in Rostov-on-Don and Bataysk, as well as two vessels in Azov. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin indicated that 403 drones targeted the Moscow region, with the majority neutralized by air defenses.
In the Samara region, Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev noted on the social media platform Max that numerous drones were downed, causing no injuries or fatalities. Ukraine's General Staff claimed to have hit the Samara Linear Production and Dispatch Station, which they said supports Russian military needs.
Russia's Defense Ministry stated that its air defenses intercepted or destroyed 560 Ukrainian drones across various regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea. The ministry also claimed to have struck Ukrainian port infrastructure and vessels used for military purposes.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have ramped up strikes targeting each other's logistics and military infrastructure. Each side denies intentionally targeting civilians, asserting their actions focus on military objectives. Independent verification of these claims remains challenging amid the ongoing conflict.