Ukraine conflict: Deadly Russian airstrikes rock Zaporizhzhia; Zelenskyy says two killed

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said: "A rescue operation is underway in Zaporizhzhia following Russia's aerial bomb strikes."

Confirming the casualties, he added: "Tragically, as of now, two people are confirmed dead. My condolences to their families and loved ones. There are reports of injuries."

According to the Ukrainian president, one of the strikes hit a residential apartment building.

"Apartments on floors one through seven are on fire. All emergency services – first responders and medics – are on the scene doing everything they can to help people," he wrote.

Zelenskyy also reported fresh Russian attacks in the southern Kherson region.

"There were also attacks on Kherson today, carried out with guided aerial bombs and drones of various types, including FPV drones. Two people were injured and, tragically, one person was killed," he said.

He added that Russian forces launched a missile strike on a public park before attacking the city with jet-powered drones, damaging a four-storey residential building and several vehicles.

"Two people were injured. In the region, three ordinary residential houses were damaged," Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, UNICEF voiced deep concern over the continued impact of the war on children, saying June recorded the highest monthly child casualty figure since 2022, with seven children killed and 116 injured.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to their families," the UN agency said in a statement.

UNICEF also warned that repeated attacks are disrupting humanitarian operations, with strikes damaging aid warehouses and threatening humanitarian workers, making it more difficult to deliver lifesaving assistance to children and families affected by the conflict.

"These attacks must end," UNICEF said. "Children and humanitarian facilities must be protected. Above all, children in Ukraine need a lasting peace."