Russian forces struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia with five guided aerial bombs early Saturday, killing 20 civilians including three children and wounding 18 others.

The attack hit a five-story apartment building and damaged nearby structures in the industrial city, whose outskirts lie close to the front line. Rescue workers continued searching the rubble into the afternoon as the death toll rose throughout the day.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy linked the strike to a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports. "Today, Russia said thank you for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia," Zelenskiy said.

Zaporizhzhia has faced repeated Russian bombardment in recent months. Officials described the latest assault as part of intensified strikes on civilian areas.

Emergency services reported that three people were rescued from the debris. Psychologists provided support to dozens of residents affected by the attack. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine said operations remained ongoing and warned the casualty figures could increase.

The city, with a pre-war population exceeding 700,000, has endured multiple glide-bomb attacks this week. Regional authorities confirmed damage to residential buildings, private homes, and vehicles.

The incident occurred amid broader efforts to address the Ukraine conflict, including recent U.S. moves on sanctions. Ukrainian officials have criticized the policy shift as potentially encouraging further Russian aggression.

Search and recovery efforts continued Saturday afternoon with more than 80 personnel on site at times. Local reports noted that a young girl was among the victims pulled from the rubble of a collapsed apartment section.