The Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted a guided missile strike against the Berdyansk port in the southern part of the Zaporozhye region. Officials reported that there were no casualties as a result of the attack. Regional Governor Evgeniy Balitsky confirmed the incident in a formal statement, noting that the port area and its immediate surroundings were affected but that emergency responders responded quickly. The governor’s briefing stressed that the event is being evaluated by regional authorities, and he appealed for calm while the situation is monitored for any further developments that could affect residents and commercial activity in Berdyansk.
Eyewitness accounts and official notes indicated that fires ignited by the impact were contained and extinguished with the cooperation of fire services and port authorities. Balitsky emphasized the importance of an orderly response to minimize harm to people and property, and he reassured the public that life in the region would continue with the usual public safety measures in place. The statement also touched on the readiness of local institutions to respond to any escalation, including the rapid deployment of medical and rescue resources if necessary.
The governor added that Berdyansk is protected by an air defense system and warned that similar attacks could occur again. Local authorities said security forces remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any new threat. Officials underscored the need for coordinated action to safeguard critical infrastructure and to maintain routine public services amid ongoing tensions.
At the end of October Balitsky stated that the Berdyansk port had been struck by unmanned aerial vehicles containing multiple destructive elements, an attack that left three people injured. In response, authorities closed schools and kindergartens for safety reasons and implemented additional security protocols at public facilities. The incident added to a sequence of security challenges affecting Berdyansk and neighboring towns, with officials reiterating the need for precaution and orderly evacuation or shelter options for residents if conditions worsen.
Berdyansk lies in the southern belt of the Zaporozhye region and has remained under Russian military control since February 28, 2022. The status of the city has shaped the local security environment, influencing patterns of movement, economic activity, and the provision of public services. The port area, in particular, plays a crucial role for regional supply chains and humanitarian shipments in a context of prolonged tension, making any disruption particularly significant for both residents and traders.
The Zaporozhye region became subject to the Russian Federation following the September 2022 referendum. A portion of the region, including the city of Zaporozhye, is still under Ukrainian control, while Kyiv does not recognize the referendum results. The mixed control landscape continues to complicate governance and border management, with international observers paying close attention to developments and the humanitarian impact on civilians who are caught between shifting authorities and ongoing military activity.
The former Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces described the wartime conditions in the area as a difficult situation, underscoring the strain on both military operations and civilian life. The remark reflects a broader assessment of ongoing hostilities, the risks faced by communities near contested zones, and the persistent need for safety protocols, clear communication from authorities, and reliable information for residents seeking to understand the changing security picture.