A devastating Russian bombing has killed at least 26 people at an aid distribution centre in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region. The attack occurred in the village of Komyshuvakha, where five people were injured and 27 initially reported missing. According to regional head Mykhailo Semikin, at least nine 3,000kg aerial bombs hit the local school, which was being used for humanitarian needs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as "utterly horrific". He posted a video showing a huge crater left after Monday's attack, and rescuer teams searching through the rubble. The death toll was initially reported as 18, but Ukraine's state emergencies service DSNS later confirmed 24 people, including two rescuers and four police officers, had been killed. Zelensky later updated the death toll to 26.
The Russian military has not publicly commented on the attack. Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally targeting civilians, stating that "the Russians could not have been unaware that the local residents who remained in Komyshuvakha received humanitarian aid there every week". He added that the attack was "yet another proof that Russia does not want any de-escalation".
The attack has been widely condemned, with Zelensky saying that Russia is "counting on further killings". He also referenced a recent successful joint Russian-Ukrainian operation to evacuate civilians from the Russia-occupied southern city of Oleshky during a temporary ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump. Zelensky stated that this showed that "peace is possible", but the latest attack suggests otherwise.
Rescue teams are still working at the scene, but have been forced to halt their operation several times due to Russian drone attacks in the area. Semikin described the attack as a "terrible tragedy" for the village, confirming that people are still under the rubble. A day of mourning has been declared for Tuesday across the entire Zaporizhzhia region.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with Russian President Vladimir Putin launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Teams from Ukraine, Russia, and the US are due to resume peace talks in the next few days, but no major breakthrough is expected. The talks are likely to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The international community remains concerned about the ongoing conflict, with the US approving the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine. Meanwhile, hundreds were evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky during a rare Ukraine ceasefire. The situation remains dire, with ongoing fighting and humanitarian needs in Ukraine.
Key points
- At least 26 people were killed in the Russian bombing of an aid distribution centre in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region.
- The attack has been widely condemned, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing Russia of intentionally targeting civilians.
- The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with ongoing fighting and humanitarian needs in Ukraine.
