A Russian aerial attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed 12 people, including three children, and injured at least 14 others on Saturday, October 10, as Moscow intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties following strikes that hit residential buildings in the industrial city, located less than 30 kilometres from the frontline.
The attack destroyed sections of an apartment building, leaving residents trapped beneath collapsed concrete and rubble. Emergency workers searched the wreckage for survivors and recovered victims as rescue operations continued.
Among those killed was a six-year-old girl whose grandfather was present when rescuers recovered her body, according to reports from the scene.
Regional authorities said Russian forces struck several locations in the early hours of Saturday, with guided aerial bombs hitting residential areas.
The attack came a day after US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to increase diesel supplies to international markets, a development that has drawn criticism from Kyiv.
Zelenskyy linked the timing of the strikes to Washington’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports, arguing that reducing economic pressure on Moscow could undermine efforts to end the war.
“Today, Russia said thank you for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia,” Zelenskyy said.
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He also warned that easing pressure on Russia could encourage further attacks against Ukrainian cities.
The diesel agreement was announced while US, Ukrainian and European officials were engaged in discussions aimed at developing proposals to end the conflict.
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES MOUNT ACROSS UKRAINE
Zaporizhzhia has faced repeated Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Its proximity to occupied territories and the frontline has left communities in the region vulnerable to aerial bombardment.
Saturday’s strike followed other deadly attacks reported across Ukraine earlier in the week. Ukrainian officials said Russian missiles and drones had killed dozens of civilians and damaged residential buildings and critical infrastructure.
In the capital, Kyiv, parts of the city and the surrounding region experienced power disruptions following further attacks on energy infrastructure.
Both countries have increasingly relied on long-range drones and missiles in a conflict that continues to inflict significant damage on civilian communities.
