Enemy lacks capability to reach Zaporizhzhia with tube artillery – governor

Russian forces shelled Zaporizhzhia this morning using Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). This type of weapon has allowed them to strike the regional center throughout all four years of the full-scale war. There is currently no threat of shelling with tube artillery.

Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, said this at a briefing on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The MLRS systems used by the enemy to shell the city today have given them the capability to strike for all four years. The enemy used the Tornado-S, which has a range of more than 80 kilometers. We do not see a threat of shelling with tube artillery. We must understand that, on both our side and the enemy's side, all such systems have been pulled back at least 15-20 km from the front line because they can be hit by FPV drones. Moreover, the enemy does not have the advance that would allow them to implement this," Fedorov said.

He added that the enemy is attempting to exert pressure in the region but has had no success for more than a month.

"This indicates that it has been possible to stop the enemy offensive that Russian forces had planned in the region. We now see reinforcements being deployed to stabilize the situation in the Zaporizhzhia sector," Fedorov said.

At the same time, he stressed that drones pose a major challenge, particularly Shahed drones, as they cause the greatest losses.

The regional governor said everyone understands how to organize crews tasked with intercepting drones. Moreover, according to Fedorov, close coordination with Air Force command is underway to build up forces and capabilities in order to destroy more than the current 50-55% of Shahed drones.

"We also face the challenge of drones such as Molniya and reconnaissance drones that adjust various types of fire. More than 90% of Molniya drones do not reach Zaporizhzhia and are shot down by our brigades," Fedorov said.

In addition, work continues together with the military and relevant services to increase the number of anti-drone tunnels.

Photo: Ukraine's State Emergency Service