Russian airstrike on school in Zaporizhzhia kills at least 24, leaves dozens missing
A Russian strike on a school used for humanitarian aid in Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 24 people and left 27 missing, prompting a day of mourning and ongoing rescue efforts.
At least 24 people were killed when Russian forces bombed a school in the Zaporizhzhia region that was being used to distribute humanitarian aid, Ukrainian officials said. Two rescue workers were among those killed, and 27 others remain missing as rescue teams continue to search for survivors trapped under the rubble.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a repeated strike, noting that a second wave of bombs hit the shelter where people had gathered after the initial airstrike. He said the targeting of the aid distribution site demonstrated a lack of intent to de-escalate the conflict.
Zaporizhzhia police and the regional military administration confirmed the casualties and announced Nov. 3 as a day of mourning. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said the threat of further attacks complicates rescue operations.
The strike occurred a day after a localized cease-fire in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, which was facilitated by First Lady Melania Trump. Zelensky said the recent killings send a contrary signal to any progress toward peace. The Russian military has not commented on the incident.