As a result of Russian shelling in Zaporozhye, 13 people died

At least 13 people were killed and another 18 were injured as a result of Russian shelling of the city of Zaporozhye in southern Ukraine, local authorities reported.

“The Russians cynically attacked the city in the middle of the day,” said the head of the region, Ivan Fedorov, adding that two guided aerial bombs hit residential buildings.

Videos have emerged showing how one high-rise building is on fire and several cars are on fire.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, called on the allies to put pressure on Russia “for its terror.” The Russian military does not comment. President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a video message from outside the bombing site, Fedorov said the Russian shelling began at about 4:00 p.m. local time (2:00 p.m. GMT) on Wednesday.

He said that two guided bombs hit residential buildings. He previously said that the target was “industrial infrastructure”.

Graphic images posted online show emergency responders treating victims on the side of the road, several cars on fire and a stationary tram with broken windows.

One video shows at least two vans with broken windows and injured people lying among the rubble and debris on the road.

Zaporizhzhia lies close to the front line.

In a statement later Wednesday, President Zelenski said “there is nothing crueler than launching aerial bombs on a city, knowing that ordinary civilians will suffer.”

Appealing to Ukraine’s allies for more support, he said that “only through force can such a war end with a lasting peace.”

On Thursday, a day of mourning will be announced throughout the Zaporozhye region.