In brief
On Saturday, Russian glide bombs struck Zaporizhzhia, demolishing apartment blocks and killing at least 15 people, including three children. Rescue teams, comprising over 80 workers, are still combing rubble for survivors amid rising casualty counts. President Zelensky condemned the strikes and warned that the war must end, while the U.S. reels from a new diesel deal with Russia. The attack marks another escalation as Zaporizhzhia, a key provincial city near the front line, faces repeated drone and missile bombardments.
By Vitaly Shevchenko & Tom McArthur
On Saturday, Russian glide bombs struck the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, destroying residential buildings and killing at least 15 people, including three children, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and emergency services.
The five bombs targeted apartment blocks and other civilian structures, leaving at least 16 injured and many more missing under the rubble. Acting Mayor Regina Kharchenko reported that more than 80 workers are engaged in search and rescue operations, listening for survivors amid the chaos.
Ukraine’s president condemned the attacks and declared that Russia’s interpretation of any easing of pressure only emboldens its war aims. He warned that the conflict must end for both sides to feel its losses.
The strikes came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a deal to import Russian diesel, a move under intense scrutiny amidst escalating hostilities.
With Zaporizhzhia located a short distance from the front line, it continues to suffer repeated drone and missile attacks, contributing to the sharp rise in civilian casualties this year.
Photos from the site show a ground floor heavily hit, with upper floors collapsing into dust and surrounding trees damaged.
