At least 26 people have died due to Russian air strikes on a humanitarian aid distribution center and a nearby shelter in southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the bombing on November 2 in Komyshuvakha village, Zaporizhzhia region, as “a monstrous act of terrorism against civilians.”
The center, converted from a local school, served villagers who remained in the area to obtain essentials and was bombed twice.
Mykhailo Semikin, head of the regional administration, reported that at least nine bombs struck the village.
“The Russian planes started by targeting the building, followed by a second wave of attacks on the shelter,” Zelensky stated.
People were present at the center to receive humanitarian aid, he added.
When emergency services arrived, they found a large crater and extensive damage, with rescue workers still searching through the debris.
Rescue workers and police were among the casualties
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed that 24 people were initially reported dead, including two rescue workers and four police officers.
Five others were injured and taken to the hospital, including two emergency workers.
Later, Zelensky reported that 26 people had been confirmed dead, while local officials initially noted that 27 were unaccounted for.
Rescue efforts were disrupted multiple times due to reports of Russian drones in the area.
Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally targeting the aid center, emphasizing that it was a regular meeting point for civilians to receive assistance.
“No one could miss the purpose of this attack, as local residents came here for essential supplies,” he said.
He also attributed the attack to a lack of recent humanitarian efforts following a brief ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky.
During the six-day local ceasefire, civilians were able to leave the area and receive aid. Zelensky argued that the latest attack contradicted this progress.
Russia has not publicly commented on the reported strikes.
The region is now in mourning as peace talks are anticipated.
Authorities in Zaporizhzhia declared a day of mourning following the attack, which coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are expected to meet again in Abu Dhabi, although hopes for a breakthrough are low.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has caused significant damage, displaced millions, and resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
The recent attack on a humanitarian aid center has heightened concerns for civilian safety.