Russian forces launched a ballistic missile strike on Zaporizhzhia on Monday morning, August 18, leaving at least 17 people injured and causing significant damage to critical infrastructure. The attack came just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, adding weight to an already high-stakes diplomatic moment.
According to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration (OVA), residents were alerted to a ballistic missile warning shortly before two powerful explosions rocked the city between 9:00 and 9:05 a.m. Local authorities later confirmed that Russian forces had carried out direct strikes on critical infrastructure facilities.
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Initial reports at 9:25 a.m. indicated two people had been injured and were receiving medical treatment. By 10:00 a.m., the casualty count had risen to six, including two individuals hospitalized in serious condition.
Over the following hours, the number of those needing medical assistance climbed steadily, reaching 17 by midday. Emergency services remain on the ground, continuing search-and-rescue operations while assessing damage to infrastructure.
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Zaporizhzhia, a strategic city in southeastern Ukraine, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks throughout the war.
The latest strike underscores the ongoing vulnerability of urban centers, where civilians bear the brunt of missile and drone assaults. The timing of the attack, coinciding with Zelensky’s key meeting in Washington, will likely draw further international condemnation and strengthen calls for increased defense support to Ukraine.
For residents of Zaporizhzhia, the missile strikes are another painful reminder of the daily uncertainty and danger brought by the war. Many are left grappling not only with physical injuries but also with the psychological toll of living under constant threat of attack.
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