In a series of events from the Russia-Ukraine war, at least 13 people were killed, and 30 others were left in a Russian-guided bomb attack on Wednesday in Ukraine’s southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, authorities said.
The strike has also caused significant damage. The bodies of the residents were left strewn across the town, with public transport being damaged in the strike.
President Zelensky Extends Condolences
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the death toll and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
In a shared video post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky stated, “Russians struck Zaporizhzhia with aerial bombs. It was a deliberate strike on the city. As of now, dozens of people are wounded. All are receiving the necessary assistance. Tragically, we know of 13 people killed.”
“My condolences to their families and loved ones. Regrettably, the number of casualties may increase. There is nothing more cruel then launching aerial bombs on a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer. Russia must be under pressure for its terror. The protection of lives in Ukraine must be supported. Only through strength can such a war be ended with a lasting peace,” he added.
The videos from the scene have gone viral on the internet, showing bloodied civilians receiving emergency treatment and firefighters battling with flames caused. The attack has caused severe damage to the high-rise residential blocks, an industrial facility, and other infrastructural damages, with debris hitting a tram and a bus carrying passengers.
According to the regional governor Ivan Fedorov, the Russian military forces have launched guided bomb attacks at the residential area of the city during the afternoon. It struck at least two residential buildings.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Notably, the attack has been observed amid the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. It came ahead of the inauguration of the United States President Donald Trump.
Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian military claimed responsibility for targeting a fuel storage depot in Russia’s Saratov region. It is a facility supplying missiles to a Russian air base.
In a recent press conference in the capital city, Kyiv, President Zelensky reiterated the need for strong security forces for Ukraine. “To be honest, I believe that we have a right to demand serious security guarantees from countries that aim for peace in the world.” He said in response to Trump’s recent comment on NATO.
What is NATO?
Additionally, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a political and military alliance of 32 member countries from Europe and North America. It was established in 1949. It aimed to ensure the security and defense of its member states against external threats.
Trump’s Comments on NATO
The US President-elect Donald Trump has been highly critical of NATO members. According to him, the organization and its member countries are not meeting their defense spending commitments. Trump even suggested that the U.S. might not defend NATO allies who do not pay their fair share, even going as far as to say he would “encourage” Russia to attack those countries.
Meanwhile, his comments have been labeled “appalling and unhinged” by the White House and criticized by NATO officials for undermining the security of the alliance.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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