Death toll rises to 40 after Russian strike on Ukrainian aid distribution point
A Russian bombing of an aid site in Zaporizhzhia region killed 40 people and left dozens missing, occurring shortly after a local ceasefire ended.
The death toll from a Russian strike on an aid distribution point in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region has risen to 40, with officials saying dozens remain missing. The attack hit the village of Komyshuvakha, where an underground school building used as a shelter and aid hub was bombed twice, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Two rescue workers and four police officers were among those killed, while the Zaporizhzhia Regional Defense Council reported 59 people missing.
Russia's defense ministry claimed the bombing targeted Ukrainian military units in Komyshuvakha and nearby settlements, alleging up to 25 Ukrainian servicemen were killed. Both sides deny intentionally targeting civilians.
Footage released by Ukrainian police shows rubble, damaged structures and a body-cam recording of a policeman warning residents of incoming glide-bomb attacks before a large explosion. The police noted that a 3-ton FAB glide bomb, capable of carrying about 1.4 tons of explosives, was among the weapons used.
The strike came a day after a six-day ceasefire, brokered by First Lady Melania Trump, expired. The ceasefire had allowed the evacuation of nearly 800 residents from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky. The United States is set to convene Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 to discuss ending the war and post-conflict security arrangements.