Russian officials have accused Ukraine of attacking the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. According to the regional governor, at least three people were killed after Russia fired five missiles on Ukraine’s southern city of Zaporizhzhia. Governor Ivan Fedorov reported that two missile strikes took place, followed by additional strikes 40 minutes later as rescuers and police were on site. Thirteen people were wounded, including a nine-year-old boy, with four in grave condition. Two journalists were also among the injured. Several apartment blocks, houses, shops, and an industrial facility were damaged in the attack.
Ukraine’s air force issued a ballistic missile raid alert for the region, which is partly occupied by Russia. Moscow has been using ballistic missiles more frequently, making them harder to intercept. Meanwhile, Russian officials claimed that Ukraine attacked the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with military drones. The facility’s press service stated that while the drones were sighted near critical infrastructure, no damage was caused. The attack could not be independently verified, and Ukraine has not yet responded to the allegations.
In other developments, Russia’s defense ministry reported downing 53 Ukrainian drones, preventing “terrorist attacks with aerial drones.” Ukraine has been using drones to target border regions in an attempt to repel Russia’s advancing forces. A drone attack on the Morozovsk air base reportedly destroyed six Russian planes and damaged eight more, though this has not been confirmed. Additionally, Ukraine warned of constant fire on the front-line town of Chasiv Yar in the eastern Donetsk region, while Moscow claimed to have captured the village of Vodiane on the outskirts of Donetsk city.