Photo: Reuters
On the night of 16 September 2025, Ukraine once again faced the harsh reality of war. Russian forces carried out heavy strikes on several Ukrainian cities. Explosions shook buildings, homes caught fire, and people ran for safety. The attacks killed at least two people and injured many others, including children.
The worst hit was the city of Zaporizhzhia, located in southeastern Ukraine. Private homes and apartment buildings were damaged, and flames spread across large areas. Residents described the night as terrifying, with blasts that broke windows and shook entire neighbourhoods.
The Night of Terror in Zaporizhzhia
In Zaporizhzhia, the attack began suddenly with a series of loud explosions. People were already used to air-raid sirens, but this time the destruction was close. A 41-year-old man died in the attack. At least 18 others were wounded, among them two children who were rushed to hospital.
The strikes damaged 10 apartment buildings, 12 private homes, and even a service station. Fires spread quickly, covering an area of nearly 350 square meters. Firefighters worked through the night, but many residents also came out to help with buckets of water and sand.
One local resident, Oleksii, 35 years old, said:
“I first heard some distant explosions. Then suddenly, one blast was so strong that our windows broke. I ran outside, and everything was shaking. We tried to help our neighbours and put out the fire before the firefighters arrived.”
- His words show the fear, shock, and bravery of ordinary people caught in the middle of war.
- Other Regions Also Attacked
- Zaporizhzhia was not the only city hit that night. Across Ukraine, different regions faced Russian strikes:
- Mykolaiv Region (south Ukraine): One person was killed.
- Kharkiv Region (northeast): Two people were injured.
- Kyiv Region (near the capital): A large retail and logistics centre was struck. The building caught fire, sending thick black smoke into the air.
- These attacks reminded Ukrainians that no place feels truly safe. Even large cities far from the frontlines can suddenly be hit.
- Weapons Used in the Attack
- According to Ukrainian officials, Russia used a variety of weapons that night:
- Multiple rocket launch systems fired 10 strikes in Zaporizhzhia.
- Across the country, more than 100 drones were launched.
- Around 150 glide bombs were dropped on different targets.
The use of drones and glide bombs has increased in recent months. Drones can fly low and avoid some defence systems, while glide bombs are powerful enough to destroy large buildings. This combination makes the attacks harder to stop.
Fires and Destruction
The damage was massive. Fires destroyed homes, burned cars, and left many families without shelter. Some people lost everything they owned in just a few minutes.
Witnesses described how flames lit up the night sky. Parents carried children in their arms as they ran to safer places. Old people were helped out of smoking buildings by neighbours and rescue teams.
President Zelenskiy’s Reaction
After the attacks, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gave a strong statement. He described the strikes as “aerial terror” against civilians.
He urged European countries to work with Ukraine to build a stronger joint air defence system. Zelenskiy said Ukraine needs several layers of defence to protect the skies and prevent more civilian deaths.
- His message was clear: without better defences, ordinary people will continue to suffer from missile, drone, and bomb attacks.
- The Scale of Attacks in September
- The attack on 16 September was not an isolated case. In just the first half of September 2025, Russia has already launched:
- More than 3,500 drones
- Around 190 missiles
- More than 2,500 aerial bombs
These numbers show the scale of the war. Every day, Ukraine faces new threats, and every day, people must prepare for the possibility of losing their homes or their loved ones.
Life for the People
For the people of Zaporizhzhia and other cities, life has become a test of strength and patience. Families spend nights in basements or bomb shelters. Children are woken up in the middle of the night to run for safety. Schools and hospitals are often damaged, making daily life even harder.
Yet, in the middle of destruction, people show remarkable courage. Neighbours help each other, firefighters risk their lives, and doctors work long hours to treat the injured. Many civilians, like Oleksii, become instant heroes when they rush into dangerous situations to save others.
A Closer Look at the Human Cost
- The statistics—two dead, many injured, buildings damaged—tell only part of the story. Behind every number is a human life.
- The 41-year-old man who died in Zaporizhzhia was someone’s father, son, or husband.
- The children injured will carry both physical and emotional scars from this night.
- Families whose homes were destroyed must now rebuild their lives from nothing.
- The human cost of war is measured not just in casualties but in the trauma that families and communities carry with them.
Why Air Defence Is Crucial
The repeated calls from Ukraine for stronger air defence are not just political requests—they are about saving lives. Without advanced systems to shoot down drones, missiles, and bombs, cities remain vulnerable.
- Modern air defence involves many layers:
- Systems that can detect and destroy missiles from long distances.
- Mid-range defences to stop rockets and bombs.
- Short-range defences to shoot down drones.
Zelenskiy’s call to Europe shows that Ukraine cannot handle this threat alone. International support is essential if civilians are to be protected.
International Concerns
These attacks also worry other countries. If Russia continues using large numbers of drones and bombs, it raises questions about the future of the conflict and regional security. Neighbouring countries fear that the war could spill over or cause more instability in Europe.
Human rights groups have also condemned the strikes on civilian areas, calling them violations of international law.
Stories of Survival
- Beyond the statistics, stories of survival show the spirit of Ukrainians:
- A grandmother in Zaporizhzhia said she carried her 5-year-old granddaughter to safety while their house burned.
- A group of teenagers helped rescue their neighbours’ pets from a building on fire.
- Local volunteers arrived quickly with food, water, and blankets for families who lost their homes.
- These moments of kindness show that even in the darkest times, humanity shines through.
The Road Ahead
The attacks on 16 September are a reminder that the war is far from over. For Ukraine, the road ahead is full of challenges:
- Rebuilding destroyed homes and schools.
- Supporting families who lost loved ones.
- Protecting cities with stronger defence systems.
- Keeping morale high while the war continues.
For civilians, every day means facing uncertainty. But many also hold on to hope—hope that the war will end, that peace will return, and that future generations will live without fear.
The Russian attacks that killed two people and burned homes in Ukraine on 16 September show the continuing human cost of war. The tragedy in Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Kyiv is not just about buildings destroyed. It is about lives lost, children injured, and families left without homes.
Ukraine’s government is working to protect its people and is calling for international support. The voices of ordinary Ukrainians—like Oleksii, who rushed to help his neighbours—show resilience and courage.
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