On the night of the attack, the Zaporizhzhia district came under heavy bombardment as Russian forces targeted the prison facility, which had been holding numerous detainees. The strikes, which took place over a span of several hours, were part of a broader military operation in the region aimed at disrupting Ukrainian infrastructure and forcing displacement of local populations. Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed that the attack resulted in the loss of 16 lives and left 35 individuals injured, with many of the casualties being among the detained prisoners and nearby residents.
Authorities have condemned the attack, which they describe as a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The incident has sparked renewed calls for increased international pressure on Russia to cease its military operations in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have expressed their commitment to holding Russia accountable for these war crimes, highlighting the need for a swift and impartial investigation into the events.
Local residents have reported widespread damage to the prison buildings and the surrounding community, with many homes suffering structural damage from the blast. The exact number of casualties is expected to be finalized as emergency services continue their efforts to locate and rescue those affected. The attack has also raised concerns about the safety of detained individuals and the potential for further humanitarian crises in the conflict zone.