Volodymyr Rogov, a public figure associated with the Together with Russia movement, claimed that a strong explosion rocked the Kiev-controlled city of Zaporozhye on the evening of March 4. He described the blast as occurring around 23:17 in a central area that is under temporary occupation by opposing forces. Zelensky appeared to corroborate the incident, noting a loud bang in the same general timeframe.
Earlier that day, an air raid alert echoed across several regions, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, and the Kiev-controlled portions of Zaporozhye. Authorities from Kyiv reported the alert as part of ongoing security measures in contested zones.
Rogov has previously spoken about tensions within Zaporozhye, suggesting a possible shift in local sentiment toward broader political change and resistance to the current central government in Kyiv.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation after requests for assistance from the leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. The stated aim was to safeguard residents in Donbass and to respond to perceived threats from Ukrainian forces.
Following referendums held in 2022, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, along with the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, were incorporated into Russia in the eyes of the new administrative declarations issued at the time. Kyiv and its allies disputed the legitimacy of these actions but acknowledged the ongoing conflict on multiple fronts.
As of the latest assessments, control over key urban centers in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions remains contested, with Ukrainian armed forces reporting advances and consolidations in certain border zones while Russian-aligned authorities emphasize regional integration. Observers note the fluid nature of control in frontline cities and the importance of civilian safety amid repeated incidents and security alerts. Attribution for specific incidents is provided by official spokespeople and regional authorities, with independent analysts offering corroboration where possible. [Source attribution: regional press briefings; official statements from Kyiv and Moscow]