Russian forces attack Zaporizhzhia, killing at least 13, injuring scores

This was reported by the head of Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov.

The local governor reported the attack on industrial infrastructure at 3:49 p.m.

"One person has been killed, and three others are injured. These are the preliminary consequences of the enemy strike on Zaporizhzhia," Fedorov reported at 3:55 p.m.

Later, Ivan Fedorov published a video showing the aftermath of the attack.

As of 4:15 p.m., Ivan Fedorov reported repeated explosions.

At 4:27 p.m., it was reported that the number of wounded due to the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia had increased to six.

Photo: Ivan Fedorov

At 4:51 p.m., Ivan Fedorov reported that 30 people injured in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia had been taken to hospitals in the regional center.

“Seven medical teams, police and emergency workers are operating at the site of the strike,” he said.

At 5:33 p.m., the secretary of the city council, Regina Kharchenko, reported 13 dead and 18 wounded.

According to the Zaporizhzhia regional prosecutor's office, the Russian attack destroyed multi-storey buildings, an industrial facility and other infrastructure in the city. The bomd fragments hit a tram and a minibus with passengers. Cars parked nearby were also damaged.

As of 5:54 p.m., the Prosecutor General's Office reported that the number of people injured had increased to 29.

Later, Ivan Fedorov said that the information about 37 injured was officially confirmed.  

“We already have information that at least 80 people have been treated in hospitals. So the number of injured will be at least several times higher. Currently, we are only recording this information... We know that at least 4 people are in hospital, they are in serious condition,” he said.

The head of the Regional Military Administration noted that tomorrow, on January 9, a Day of Mourning will be declared in Zaporizhzhia region.

“This is the third major massive attack with numerous victims in the last month, and unfortunately, this is the third Day of Mourning in the last month,” said Fedorov. 

Zelenskyy's reaction

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the enemy attack on Zaporizhzhia.

“The Russians have struck Zaporizhzhia with bombs. A deliberate strike on the city. As of now, we know about dozens of wounded. Everyone is being provided with the necessary assistance. Unfortunately, we know about 13 people killed. My condolences to the families and friends. Unfortunately, the number of victims may increase. There is nothing more cruel than bombing a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer,” Zelenskyy said.

He also emphasized that “we need to put pressure on Russia for terror”.

“We need to support the protection of lives in Ukraine. It is possible to end such a war with a lasting peace only through force,” the President of Ukraine added.

• On the night of December 26–27, Russia had also struck the industrial infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia.