Russian Shelling in Zaporizhzhia: Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
On March 31, 2025, Russian forces launched a deadly attack on the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, targeting a frontline settlement and killing one civilian while injuring five others. The assault, which utilized guided aerial bombs, marks another episode in the ongoing war that has devastated Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as yet another instance of Russia targeting civilian infrastructure, underscoring the brutality of the conflict and its disregard for international norms.
Details of the Attack
The shelling occurred in Malokaterynivka, a village in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, at approximately 6:00 PM local time. According to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Russian forces deployed five KAB guided bombs aimed at civilian sites.
Casualties and Damage
- Fatalities: A 66-year-old woman was killed in the attack.
- Injuries: Five individuals sustained injuries, including a 47-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man who required urgent medical assistance.
- Destruction: Residential buildings and social infrastructure were severely damaged or destroyed. Images shared by Fedorov depicted homes reduced to rubble and debris scattered across the community.
The attack prompted an air raid alert across the region, but residents had little time to seek shelter before the bombs struck. Ukrainian officials confirmed that the strikes targeted civilian areas rather than military installations, further fueling accusations of war crimes against Russia.
