At least 24 people have died following a Russian airstrike on a school in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader stated that Russian forces targeted the facility in the town of Komishuvaja, which was being utilized for the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Zelensky detailed the sequence of events on Telegram, noting that after an initial air attack, a second strike occurred involving nine additional bombs that hit a shelter where civilians were gathered. He asserted that Russian forces were aware that the school in Komishuvaja was a key hub for aid distribution and highly frequented by the local population. The President described the incident as further evidence that Russia does not seek de-escalation or real justice.
Initial reports from Zelensky cited 18 fatalities and five injured, but the death toll rose following an update from Ukraine's Emergency Service. Mykhailo Semikin, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, indicated via Telegram that a large number of people remained missing after the attack. The Ukrainian government has announced a deployment to advance rescue operations and search efforts at the site.
Semikin confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, emphasizing the continued effort to save lives. Meanwhile, Kyiv accuses Moscow of intensifying attacks against civilians in recent weeks. This escalation occurs amidst tensions between Zelensky and the administration of Donald Trump, which has reportedly aligned with Vladimir Putin's government following an agreement for diesel purchases. Zelensky called for a strong global response to protect life and support Ukraine.
Sources: El País Internacional.