A Russian airstrike on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia has left at least 13 people dead and dozens injured, Ukrainian officials reported., reports RFE.
The attack targeted an industrial district of the city, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional administration. Emergency services released graphic footage showing severely injured civilians, firefighters battling blazes in cars, and damage to a nearby administrative building.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating, “There is nothing more cruel than airstrikes on cities, knowing innocent civilians will suffer.”
Unclear Weapon but Devastating Impact
Authorities have not confirmed the type of weapon used in the strike. However, the scale of the damage and number of casualties suggest the use of a highly destructive weapon. Ukrainian officials suspect either missile or bomb strikes, possibly involving remote-controlled munitions, a tactic Russia has employed with devastating results against Ukrainian defenses.
Russian officials have yet to comment on the attack.
Ukrainian Counterstrikes on Russian Oil Depot
Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed responsibility for striking a Russian oil depot in Saratov, which reportedly supplied fuel to the Engels-2 strategic airbase. The Ukrainian military stated that the attack targeted critical infrastructure supporting Russia’s aviation operations.
Since the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian drones have regularly targeted Russian refineries, damaging key facilities and requiring extensive repairs. Analysts believe these strikes, alongside renewed offensive operations in Russia’s Kursk region, give Ukraine leverage in potential peace talks or ceasefire negotiations.
Trump Calls for Negotiations
President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on January 7 his eagerness to begin negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine after his inauguration on January 20. Trump emphasized the urgent need for talks, citing the heavy toll on young lives in both Ukraine and Russia.
The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, with Russian President Vladimir Putin framing it as a “special military operation” to demilitarize Ukraine. The conflict has since claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, while Western sanctions continue to batter the Russian economy.
