Russian glide bomb strikes kill at least 20 in Zaporizhzhia

Russian forces launched five aerial glide bombs at the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Saturday morning, killing at least 20 people. Outlets varied on the casualty details among children, with the BBC reporting that four children were killed, while Euronews reported three children among the dead. Reports also differed on the number of injuries, with the BBC stating at least 32 people were injured, Euronews reporting 16, and Ukrinform reporting 18. [1][2][3][7]

The strikes hit residential buildings and blocks of flats early on Saturday, according to the BBC and Euronews. Ukraine's State Emergency Service and local police reported that search and rescue operations are ongoing, as more victims are believed to be trapped under the rubble. Regional governor Ivan Fedorov posted on Telegram that medical staff were working to assist the injured. [1][2]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was expressing its thanks for a deal announced by United States President Donald Trump to ease sanctions and import Russian diesel. As reported by the BBC and the South China Morning Post, Kyiv warned that the agreement would help bankroll Moscow's war effort. President Zelensky added that 13 other regions in Ukraine came under attack overnight. [1][3]

Glide bombs are standoff weapons fitted with flight control surfaces that allow them to glide toward targets from a distance. This enables launching aircraft to drop them away from anti-aircraft defenses near the target. [9]

The Zaporizhzhia region has faced repeated bombardment throughout the Russo-Ukrainian war, resulting in heavy damage to civilian infrastructure and housing. As FTMQ World reported earlier, Russian long-range strikes have recently surged across Ukraine, hitting civilian areas and energy infrastructure. [10][13]