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Ukraine says Russian attack kills five people in Zaporizhzhia

Al Jazeera · 2026-06-20

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, killed five people and injured at least 11 others, causing significant destruction to buildings in the area. • Why it matters: This attack is part of an ongoing escalation in military actions between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the severe risks faced by civilians amid the conflict. • What to watch next: Monitor developments in the region as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warns of a potential "massive attack" by Russian forces, and observe international responses to the escalating violence.

**Title: Ukraine Reports Fatal Russian Airstrike in Zaporizhzhia**

**Date: June 20, 2026**

In a tragic escalation of hostilities, Ukrainian officials have reported that a recent Russian airstrike in the city of Zaporizhzhia has resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The attack, which involved the use of glide bombs, also left at least 11 others injured, according to Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.

Fedorov announced the grim details in a post on Telegram, noting that the assault caused significant destruction to both residential and non-residential buildings in the area. The situation remains fluid, with authorities indicating that the number of injured may rise as search and rescue operations continue. Emergency responders, including police officers and rescue workers, are currently on-site, working to clear debris and document the extent of the damage.

The Zaporizhzhia attack is part of a broader pattern of intensified military actions between Russian and Ukrainian forces, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict remain stalled. Just hours before the Zaporizhzhia incident, another aerial strike in Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine, resulted in one fatality and nine injuries. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that a woman was trapped under the rubble of a residential building hit by a guided aerial bomb.

In addition to the casualties in Kharkiv, authorities in the southern city of Kherson reported that a 72-year-old woman was injured during a drone strike in the village of Zelenivka. These incidents highlight the ongoing dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones across Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation in a nightly address, cautioning citizens to remain vigilant as he warned of a potential "massive attack" by Russian forces. He urged the public to heed air raid warnings and take necessary precautions. Zelenskyy also confirmed that Ukrainian armed forces had targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Tyumen region, indicating a retaliatory stance in the ongoing conflict.

On the Russian side, the Ministry of Defence reported that its air defenses successfully intercepted 187 Ukrainian drones overnight, reflecting the ongoing aerial confrontations between the two nations. This announcement follows Ukraine's recent large-scale drone attack on Moscow, which resulted in significant damage, including fires and the evacuation of a major airport.

As the situation continues to develop, the humanitarian impact of the conflict remains severe, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the potential for further escalation looms large in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera
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