Russian attack leaves 40 dead in Ukraine

59 remain missing as rescue teams search rubble in Zaporizhzhia

KOMYSHUVAKHA:

The death toll from a Russian strike on an aid distribution centre in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region has risen to 40, with 59 people still missing, officials said on Wednesday, as rescue teams continued searching for victims beneath the rubble.

The attack took place on Monday in the village of Komyshuvakha, about 17 kilometres from the nearest Russian positions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russian forces first bombed an underground school building being used to distribute humanitarian aid, then struck the shelter again as residents arrived to collect assistance.

Classes had been suspended at the school because of its proximity to the front line, but it continued to serve as a shelter and distribute aid every Monday. World Central Kitchen, which provides food and water to the community, described the site as a humanitarian and administrative centre for local residents.

Two rescue workers and four police officers were among those killed, emergency services said. Footage released by Ukrainian police showed civilians rushing into an underground shelter shortly before a large explosion engulfed the area.

Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had targeted Ukrainian military units around Komyshuvakha and two other settlements, claiming up to 25 Ukrainian servicemen were killed. Both sides deny deliberately targeting civilians.

The strike came a day after a US-brokered six-day ceasefire to evacuate civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky expired. Washington is due to host Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 for talks on ending the war, security arrangements and de-escalation.