In the settlement of Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhia region, 18 people were killed and five more were injured as a result of Russian air strikes. Russian forces attacked a school that was being used for humanitarian purposes: local residents were receiving aid there.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this.
According to him, there were several aerial bomb strikes on the settlement from the morning. After the first attack, the Russians carried out a second strike with nine more bombs – specifically on the shelter where people were staying.
"As of now, sadly, we know of eighteen people killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Five people have been injured," the president said.
Acting head of the Regional Military Administration Mykhailo Semikin added that among the dead were a police officer and two State Emergency Service rescuers. A further 27 people are considered missing.
A rescue operation and search for people is continuing at the scene. The work involves the military, rescuers and specialist emergency services.
"The Russians could not have failed to know that every week the locals who remained in Komyshuvakha received humanitarian aid right there. And this is further proof that Russia does not want any de-escalation, any real justice," the president said.
He also mentioned the humanitarian operation in Oleshky, after which, he said, there was a moment when the next steps could have shown the possibility of bringing peace closer.
"With these killings, Russia is sending an absolutely opposite signal – Russia is counting on further killings. There must be a response to this, a response from the world. Strong and tough. A response to Russia. And support for Ukraine. We must protect lives," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.