Russian Airstrikes Kill Three in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

Russian airstrikes killed three civilians and wounded at least four others in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, early on September 22, 2025, according to multiple independent news outlets. The attacks began around 4:20 a.m. and lasted approximately 40 minutes, striking residential buildings, shopping malls, parking areas, and other critical infrastructure. Local emergency services responded to widespread destruction, including fires in a two-story building and several vehicles, as well as the collapse of a residential structure.

Civilian Impact and Emergency Response

Regional administration head Ivan Fedorov stated that none of the targeted sites were linked to military infrastructure, describing the strikes as a deliberate act against civilians. Emergency crews worked throughout the morning to extinguish fires, rescue survivors, and begin restoration efforts. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that among the injured was a teenager, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack. Restoration work is ongoing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to affected families.

Pattern of Attacks and Broader Context

The Zaporizhzhia airstrikes are part of a broader pattern of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, with similar incidents reported in the Sumy region overnight. In Sumy, a security guard was injured in a drone strike, and another man was wounded in the Shalyhyne community. Ukraine’s Air Force claimed to have shot down 132 of 141 strike and decoy drones launched by Russian forces during the same period, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing aerial campaign.

Local officials and independent media have consistently challenged Russian claims about targeting military infrastructure, noting that recent strikes have disproportionately affected civilian areas. The destruction of homes, businesses, and public spaces in Zaporizhzhia has fueled accusations of deliberate targeting of non-combatants, a charge echoed by regional leaders and humanitarian organizations.

International Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The attacks have drawn condemnation from international observers and human rights groups, who are calling for independent investigations into potential violations of international law. As emergency services continue to clear debris and assist survivors, questions remain about the strategic objectives behind the strikes and the broader humanitarian impact on Ukraine’s civilian population. The incident in Zaporizhzhia is the latest in a series of escalations that have left communities across Ukraine grappling with loss, trauma, and uncertainty.