Seven-year-old boy killed in Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, his father was recently released from captivity

A seven-year-old boy named Makar was killed after a Russian strike hit his house in the city of Zaporizhzhia on the night of 9-10 October. His parents and younger sister were injured.

Source: Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster

Details: The family had only recently bought the house, shortly after the father returned from Russian captivity.

What was once a home for a family with three children, now lies in ruins. Local resident Nina said that neighbours immediately rushed to help extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped inside.

Quote from Nina: "The whole street came to help. Men pulled a boy out. An ambulance arrived, and the child was barely alive but there was still a pulse. The doctors fought for his life, but couldn't save him."

More details: Makar's mother, Svitlana Dorosh, who works as a nurse at a local hospital, said that she had fallen asleep after a long shift and missed the air-raid siren.

Quote from Svitlana: "I checked on them – my son was asleep, the second daughter too, the eldest was on her phone. Then I heard a powerful blast and felt something collapse on top of me. I don't even know which explosion it was – the first or the second."

More details: The house collapsed and caught fire. Svitlana found her youngest daughter Yaroslava under the debris, while her eldest, Oleksandra, was unharmed. She then began searching for Makar.

The boy suffered fatal injuries and was taken to intensive care, where he died during the night.

His parents and sister were also injured.

Quote from Oleksandr, a relative: "The mother has a leg injury and a minor bone fracture, the child has a small cut on the leg and burns on her hands. The father has leg injuries. We don't know yet if his legs can be saved. He's in a serious condition. We're hoping for the best."

More details: Makar's father remains in intensive care with severe wounds. Svitlana said she does not know how to tell him about their son's death.

Another relative, Olena, said the strike hit the part of the house where the children's room was located.

Quote from Olena: "The boy was trapped under the rubble. Everyone was clearing debris to get him out. It was a horrifying sight. They took him to hospital and did everything they could, but it wasn't enough."

More details: The family bought the house this spring, shortly after the father's return after three years in Russian captivity.

Relatives said the family had just begun to settle in. They are now searching through the ruins for surviving belongings and documents.

Background:

• On the night of 9-10 October, Russia launched a combined strike on Ukraine using missiles and drones of various types, with explosions reported in several cities, including Zaporizhzhia.
• Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, said six Shahed-type drones, five missiles and five guided aerial bombs struck the region. Residential areas and infrastructure were hit, and seven people were injured.

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