Not artillery: Russian weapons posing biggest threat to Zaporizhzhia
Illustrative photo: Russian Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (wikimedia.org)
On the morning of January 28, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia using a Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (MRLS). However, this type of weapon has been able to reach the regional center since the start of the full-scale war. There is currently no threat from shelling by conventional artillery, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration.
Fedorov noted that the Tornado-S MRLS has a range of over 80 kilometers, meaning that for the entire four years of the war, the Russian army could have struck the city with this weapon. However, they rarely use this type of MRLS.
"There are many different types of MRLSs. This one can reach 80, 90, or even 100 kilometers. That’s why 3–4 months ago, the enemy used this type of MRLS against the Khortytskyi district," he said.
At the same time, there is no threat from conventional artillery shelling as Russia has moved regular artillery far from the front to avoid becoming targets for FPV drones.
According to Fedorov, the Russian troops are trying to advance in the region, including in order to shell Zaporizhzhia. However, they have not had any success for over a month. Thus, the enemy's advance was effectively halted.
The main danger to Zaporizhzhia now is not artillery, but drones. The Russian army is trying to terrorize the regional center with Shahed drones and cheap Molniya drones, over 90% of which are intercepted before reaching the city.
Earlier, on January 28, Russian forces attacked one of Zaporizhzhia’s residential areas. As a result of the strike, over 100 apartments were damaged and two people were injured.
The last time the Russian army struck Zaporizhzhia with a Tornado-S MRLS was on September 16, 2025. They fired 10 missiles at the city and the surrounding region. The attack resulted in 18 people being injured and caused destruction and damage to buildings.
