There is a belief that Russia is hitting Zaporizhzhia with advanced bombs flying 25-30 km further — correspondent

Zaporizhzhia came under another Russian attack. As a result of the attack, one man was killed, and six people, including two children, were wounded on the evening of 23 September. The injured minors include a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy.

Hromadske Radio correspondent Alisa Sysoyeva provided more details about the consequences and the situation in the city.

«A rescue operation continued throughout the night, and footage shows complete destruction, as the Russians targeted the private sector. While we haven’t received official confirmation yet, it was likely aerial bombs again. We’ll wait for official information, as the head of the military administration only confirmed late yesterday that the previous attack likely involved bombs, although the media had reported this earlier.»

In total, the Russians launched 321 attacks in Zaporizhzhia Region on 23 September, including missile strikes on Zaporizhzhia and the village of Rostushche.

Regarding the situation with communications, the journalist mentioned that they «suffered as a result of the shelling the night before»:

«For example, due to the previous attack, around 16,000 subscribers in Zaporizhzhia and the region were at risk of losing power. They hadn’t fully dealt with the aftermath of that strike before the Russians launched another attack.»

The correspondent also noted that during discussions about the first bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia on 22 September, it was mentioned that this was an «improved» version:

«There was an opinion that these aerial bombs are more advanced, and that Russia has been working for a while to improve this method of destruction. Now, they can fly 25-30 kilometers further.»

Given the use of guided aerial bombs in Zaporizhzhia, authorities are stressing the increased importance of not ignoring air raid alerts.

«Yesterday, we reminded citizens that they need to respond more carefully to air raid alerts. Unfortunately, due to Zaporizhzhia’s proximity to the front line, air raid alerts last for an average of five hours a day. A significant number of people don’t go to shelters. While earlier, businesses would close and public transport would stop during alerts, now most places remain open, and only a few close during air raids.»

The Situation with Shelters

Are the shelters prepared? In light of the Russian use of guided bombs to strike Zaporizhzhia, residents are being urged not to ignore air raid alerts.

Hromadske Radio correspondent Alisa Sysoyeva reported:

«Since yesterday, Zaporizhzhia residents have been encouraged to take cover when they hear an air raid alarm. However, there is a problem: not all districts have well-equipped shelters. Many of them are simply closed. Just yesterday, journalists checked shelters in several districts – many were unprepared, and some were locked.

The regional administration has promised to address this issue. Over the past year, shelters have gradually been improved, but we can’t yet say that every district has accessible and safe shelters to protect against such attacks.»

The Situation with Schools

What is the current state of education in Zaporizhzhia, which is increasingly coming under fire from Russian forces? Hromadske Radio correspondent Alisa Sysoyeva discussed this topic.

«For the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Zaporizhzhia is using a mixed format of education this school year. Children are studying partly online and partly in shelters that are prepared for in-person learning. Of course, this isn’t full-fledged education. Sometimes, offline classes are held two or three days a week. It has been reported that the process will improve when underground schools are opened. Currently, eight underground schools are under construction in Zaporizhzhia, and the first one is expected to accept students in October.»

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On 22 September, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia and part of the region with guided aerial bombs. By the morning of 23 September, 16 civilians had been reported injured due to the shelling.

The attack occurred between 22:19 and 23:04, during which the Russian army fired at least seven times using multiple rocket launchers at the regional center and surrounding areas, striking civilian infrastructure.

Damage was reported to 13 residential buildings, two educational institutions, and five vehicles. Private houses, property, and garages were also damaged.