A series of three Russian airstrikes targeted Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine, in the early hours of 11 November, resulting in civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
Zaporizhzhia is close to the front lines and is a key regional hub. Targeting it may be an attempt to weaken Ukrainian logistics and support for military operations in the area. Russian attacks on civilians are widely considered to be war crimes under international law. They are designed to instill fear and demoralize the Ukrainian population.
According to Ivan Fedorov, head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, the attacks occurred after midnight, with guided aerial bombs striking residential areas.
The casualty count rose throughout the morning, reaching 22 injured, including five children aged 4, 15, and 17. Eight victims required hospitalization. One 71-year-old man died.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine reports that the attacks took place at 1:30 a.m., causing substantial damage to multiple structures. The blast wave partially destroyed a two-story residential building and damaged a dormitory and car dealership building.
Emergency response efforts are ongoing, with local authorities coordinating the evacuation of dormitory residents using three buses.
The total number of casualties may still increase as assessment operations continue, according to regional authorities.
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