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Ukraine raises death toll from Russian strike on Zaporizhia to 40 people
Ukraine has raised the death toll from a Russian strike on an aid centre in the Zaporizhia region to 40, with more than 30 people possibly still beneath the rubble. The attack was among the deadliest strikes on civilians in Russia’s nearly five-year war and comes as Ukraine prepares for US-brokered ceasefire talks with Russia.
Several bombs hit a school used to distribute aid in Komyshuvakha on Monday, followed by a strike on an underground shelter, according to Ukrainian authorities. Four police officers and two rescue workers were among those killed; search operations have been hampered by Russian drones. The UN human rights mission said the bombing likely violated international law. Ukraine and Russia are due to meet in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November, though earlier talks made little progress amid disputes over territory, demilitarisation and Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
In short
- Ukraine says 40 people were killed in the Zaporizhia strike.
- More than 30 may still be trapped beneath rubble.
- Ukraine and Russia are due to hold US-brokered talks next week.
Explained simply
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and fighting has continued across the country. Zaporizhia is a region in south-eastern Ukraine, where residents have faced repeated attacks and many rely on aid services.
Ukraine’s authorities say the strike hit a school being used to distribute aid and an underground shelter in Komyshuvakha. Russia is at war with Ukraine, while the United Nations monitors the impact of the conflict on civilians and has said the bombing likely breached international law.
The attack comes as Ukrainian and Russian representatives prepare to meet in Abu Dhabi for US-brokered ceasefire talks. Earlier negotiations made little progress, with the sides divided over territory, military arrangements and Ukraine’s possible future membership of NATO.
Europe Russia-Ukraine War World