Heavy Russian Attack Hits Zaporizhzhia, Causing Death and Injuries

The consequences of the Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia. Private sector in one of the city’s districts, September 16, 2025. Suspilne Zaporizhzhia

On the night of September 16, Zaporizhzhia experienced a massive strike by Russian forces: rocket artillery and aerial attacks inflicted significant damage on the city’s districts. According to preliminary data, dozens of residential buildings in two city districts were damaged; one person was killed, and dozens of residents were injured, including children and adults.

The damage affected private homes and multi-story buildings: windows shattered, doors blown out, fires observed. Eyewitness accounts describe the scale of the incident and the fear felt by residents during the night.

Yulia, a resident of the private sector, told reporters how they managed to survive: they were at home with her husband and their 4-year-old child during the rocket strike and explosions.

“We, I believe, miraculously survived. We didn’t sleep; there was a flash, an explosion, and then we realized that our neighbors had a fire. At the moment of the shelling we were in our bedroom with the child together. And we were so lucky that it didn’t touch us”

Timeline of events and consequences

According to various testimonies, the shelling caused damage to private homes and high-rise buildings: windows, doors and façades were destroyed; fires broke out in several buildings, and one resident was killed.

“At first the blasts were not strong, then they grew stronger and stronger. I went outside to open the basements. Doors were blown off everywhere, the glass shattered. One resident died. Everything would be normal if not for the death of that young man; it would have been better”

Residents from other districts also recalled the cracking and impacts that echoed through the city. Many people hid in basements and corridors. In educational institutions, windows and rooms were damaged; the administration of the gymnasium said that part of the premises is temporarily closed for study, but the school’s work is being restored.

“Most windows were damaged as a result of the shelling. During the shelling the guard was on site – he’s all right. We are operating in a mixed format, using facilities of another educational institution.”

The city and civil protection services provide information about the scale of the destruction and are working on evacuation and support for the injured. Official data confirm the death of one resident and injuries to about 18 people. Work to eliminate the aftermath and restore the housing stock is ongoing.

Local authorities urge residents to follow safety rules, avoid going outside during air-raid alerts, and seek psychological support if needed. Regional information services continue to cover the events and coordinate aid for those affected.