At least four people were killed and 19 injured in a Russian missile attack that “destroyed” a private clinic in the city of Zaporizhzhia, southern Ukraine, according to updated figures from local authorities. The strike occurred on Tuesday afternoon, targeting “non-military infrastructure” in the city centre, the regional governor Ivan Fedorov stated via Telegram.
The latest police update reported that among the victims was a five-year-old child, and it is feared that others may still be trapped under the clinic’s rubble.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “brutal attack” by Russian forces, which also caused damage to nearby buildings. He called on Western nations to provide more air defence systems, including US-made Patriot missiles, emphasising that Ukraine lacked sufficient resources to defend itself against Russian missile strikes.
Over recent weeks, Russian forces have intensified attacks in southern Ukraine. Last Friday, a separate attack in Zaporizhzhia killed ten people. Ukrainian analysts believe the increased assaults could indicate preparations for a large-scale operation in the southern front, particularly in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Additional incidents and ongoing conflict
Ukrainian officials also reported that three people were killed and at least 17 injured in Russian bombardments in the Donetsk and Kherson regions over the previous 24 hours. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, residents of Ridkodub expressed fears over ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. A 71-year-old resident described the devastating impact of the conflict and urged for peace negotiations, fearing that the village may not survive until then.
IAEA vehicle hit in drone strike
A drone strike hit a vehicle belonging to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) en route to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. No injuries were reported, and those on board were confirmed safe, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi stated on social media.
Grossi condemned the attack on IAEA personnel and called for “maximum restraint” to avoid escalating risks to the nuclear facility. However, he refrained from attributing responsibility for the strike.
Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed the attack was deliberate, accusing Moscow of disregarding international law and organisations. He urged the IAEA and other bodies to provide a “clear and decisive response” to Russia’s actions.
Nuclear safety concerns persist
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since the early weeks of the invasion. Kyiv and Moscow frequently exchange blame for attacks near the facility, raising concerns over nuclear safety.
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Source: ANA-MPA
