Twenty-six killed in Russian aerial bomb attack on school used to distribute humanitarian aid in Zaporizhzhia Oblast – photos, video

Russian forces have bombed a school used to distribute humanitarian aid in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Twenty-six people, including police officers and first responders, are known to have been killed, five injured and 27 reported missing.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter); Mykhailo Semikin, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration; Ukraine's State Emergency Service

Quote from Zelenskyy: "An utterly horrific Russian attack on the settlement of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region. Since this morning, the settlement has been hit several times by aerial bombs. The strikes targeted a school used for humanitarian purposes – people were receiving humanitarian aid there."

Details: Zelenskyy said that after the initial aerial bomb strike, the Russians launched a repeat attack with nine more bombs, hitting the shelter where people were taking cover.

"Tragically, 18 people have already been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Five people have been injured. A rescue operation is underway at the site, and the search for people continues. It is extremely difficult. Military forces, first responders, and special services are involved," the president reported.

Zelenskyy said the Russian forces could not have been unaware that humanitarian aid was distributed at the school every week to local residents who had remained in Komyshuvakha.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "And this is further proof that Russia wants no de-escalation and no real justice. After the humanitarian operation in Oleshky, there was a moment when the next steps could have shown that progress towards peace was possible. With these killings, Russia is sending an entirely opposite signal: Russia is counting on more killings.

There must be a response to this – a response from the world. A strong and tough response. A response to Russia. And support for Ukraine. We must protect lives."

Update: Semikin reported that Russian forces struck the centre of the village with at least nine FAB-3000 guided aerial bombs.

"Eighteen people have been killed, including a police officer and two State Emergency Service personnel. Five people have been injured. A further 27 people are still missing," he wrote.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the scene.

The State Emergency Service reported that the death toll from the Russian airstrike had risen to 24, including two emergency workers and four police officers. A further five people have been reported injured, including two first responders.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address that 26 people are known to have been killed.

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