Russian shelling kills 13 in Zaporizhzhia

At least 13 people have been killed and 18 injured in Russian shelling in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, officials said.

“The Russians made a mock attack on the city during the day,” said district commander Ivan Fedorov, adding that two guided bombs hit residential buildings.

Images have been seen showing a skyscraper on fire, as well as several cars on fire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on his allies to pressure Russia “because of its fear”. The Russian military did not respond. President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a video message from outside the bomb site, Fedorov said the Russian shelling began at around 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Wednesday.

He said two guided bombs hit residential buildings. Earlier he said that “the factories” were targeted.

Pictures posted online show first responders treating the injured on the road, several cars on fire and a stationary tram whose windows were broken.

In one video, at least two minibuses are seen with their windows blown out and what appear to be casualties lying among debris and debris on the road.

Zaporizhzhia is close to the front line.

In his speech on Wednesday, President Zelensky said “there is nothing more cruel than bombing a city, knowing that civilians will suffer”.

And asking the allies of Ukraine for more help, he said that “it is only with power that such a war ends with lasting peace”.

A day of mourning will be announced throughout the Zaporizhzhia region on Thursday.