- Russian Aerial Bombing: At least 13 people were killed, and 30 others were injured in a Russian-guided bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. The attack targeted residential areas and caused significant damage to infrastructure.
- Zelenskyy’s Condolences: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences, offering support to the families of the victims. He shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing civilians receiving emergency treatment and firefighters battling the resulting fires.
- Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate strike on civilians. He emphasized the cruelty of using aerial bombs on cities, knowing it would harm ordinary people.
- Zelenskyy’s Statement: “There is nothing more cruel than launching aerial bombs on a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer. Russia must be put under pressure for its terror.”
Attack Details
- Damage and Casualties: The attack damaged high-rise residential buildings, an industrial facility, and other critical infrastructure. Trams and buses carrying passengers were hit by debris, exacerbating the toll on civilians.
- Regional Governor’s Report: Ivan Fedorov, Regional Governor of Zaporizhzhia, confirmed that Russian forces launched guided bombs on residential areas. At least two residential buildings were hit in the strike.
- The attack occurred in the afternoon, and the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
Ukraine’s Response and Military Actions
- Ukraine Strikes Russian Fuel Depot: In retaliation, the Ukrainian military targeted a fuel storage depot in Russia’s Saratov region, causing a fire at a facility that supplies missiles to a Russian air base. The strike was part of Ukraine’s efforts to develop long-range missile capabilities.
- Zelenskyy’s Comments on Security Guarantees: Zelenskyy addressed international security concerns, stating that countries advocating for peace should offer Ukraine stronger security guarantees in the future. He was responding to remarks made by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding NATO’s stance on Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has a right to demand serious security guarantees from countries seeking to end the war.
Tensions and International Perspectives
- Trump’s Remarks on NATO: Donald Trump expressed understanding of Russia’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, given its proximity to Russia. Zelenskyy responded by pointing out that nations such as the US, Germany, and Slovakia have been hindering Ukraine’s immediate NATO membership.
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The bombings and military responses highlight the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has escalated with both sides preparing for the upcoming swearing-in of Donald Trump on January 20.
Conclusion
The Russian bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia has resulted in tragic loss of life and severe damage to the city, with Ukraine responding with strikes on Russian infrastructure. President Zelenskyy continues to call for stronger security support from the international community as Ukraine navigates its ongoing conflict with Russia.