At least 13 people were killed and 87 others were injured, including 10 children, during a bombing on Sunday that hit residential areas in Zaporijia, a region in southern Ukraine that Russia says it annexed even though it did not fully control it.
The attack came a day after an explosion destroyed part of the strategic bridge that connects Russian territory to the Crimean peninsula, threatening the Russian supply line – the structure is considered a crucial supply route for Kremlin troops in the invaded country.
Eve’s episode set off a version war, though neither party blamed the other fully. On Sunday (9), Kiev accused Russia of the offensive, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised that those involved in the action will be held accountable.
“Zaporijia again. Merciless attacks on peaceful people again. In residential buildings, right in the middle of the night,” Zelensky wrote on social media. “Absolute pettiness. Absolute evil. Savages and terrorists. From the one who gave this order to everyone who complied with it. They will take responsibility before the law and people.”
Oleksandr Starukh, governor of the Zaporijia region, said at least 12 missiles were fired from planes. Ukrainian authorities reported that the bombing damaged homes, apartment blocks and educational centers. A nine-story building was partially destroyed.
Of the 87 people injured, 60 had to be hospitalized. In the nine-story building, the rescue operation was hampered by a fire that started in the rubble, according to Starukh. “We evacuated people quickly and we have already saved eight, but when the fire starts, people [sob os escombros] have virtually no chance of surviving, as there is no oxygen”.
Emergency crews cordoned off the area and digging up rubble in an attempt to find other survivors. In the block of the building that did not completely collapse, electrical appliances were exposed and hung from the facade. Cars near the area were also destroyed.
It was the third attack in a few days on the region considered strategic in the Ukrainian War. On Thursday (6), a missile destroyed a five-story residential building in the city of Zaporijia, killing at least three people and leaving several residents trapped under the rubble. Earlier, Ukraine called an attack also blamed on Russia against a convoy of civilian cars “cynical”, which left at least 30 dead.
Russia has yet to comment on Sunday’s bombing in Zaporijia, but has repeatedly denied targeting civilians during what it calls a “special military operation” in the neighboring country.
The city of Zaporijia, capital of the homonymous region, remains under Ukrainian control. The municipality considered strategic is 52 km from the largest nuclear plant in Europe, occupied by Moscow and which has raised fears due to the potential for radioactive catastrophe as a result of the conflict.
Last month, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) reported that fighting in the region violated “the physical integrity” of the plant. Faced with rising tensions, Putin on Wednesday ordered the installation to be taken over by Russian state-owned Rosatom.
Also on Sunday, divers are expected to assess the damage caused by the explosion on the bridge linking Russia and Crimea. A detailed analysis must be completed by the end of the day.
“The situation is manageable. It is unpleasant, but not fatal,” said Russian governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov. “Of course the emotions were triggered and there is a healthy desire for revenge.”
Russia’s Transport Ministry said long-distance freight and passenger trains were operating normally on Sunday. Road traffic remains limited.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
