Ukraine reports at least 26 killed in Russian bombing of aid centre

Russian bombing killed at least 26 people at a humanitarian aid site and nearby shelter in Komyshuvakha, southern Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said in accounts reported on Nov 2. Rescuers searched the rubble as further Russian drone attacks interrupted their work.¹²

Casualty figures rise

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine initially confirmed 24 deaths, including two rescuers and four police officers. President Volodymyr Zelensky said 26 people were known to have died. Both the BBC and the Guardian reported a toll of at least 26.¹²

In its Nov 3 report, ArmyInform gave a higher death toll of 29 and said 48 people were missing. Earlier accounts had put the number missing at 27. The BBC reported that people remained beneath the debris and that the death toll could increase.¹²³

Five people were receiving hospital treatment, including two rescue workers, the Guardian reported. ArmyInform identified two rescuers killed as Denys Konovalenko and Oleksii Sushevskyi, both aged 44. It said most victims were civilians who had arrived for aid or people who came to help after the initial attack.¹³

School used for aid

The site included a school being used to provide humanitarian assistance and shelter. Residents who remained in Komyshuvakha went there each week to collect aid packages. Zelensky said the first bombs fell as people arrived, before a further strike hit the shelter.¹²

According to the BBC, at least nine aerial bombs, each weighing 3,000kg, hit Komyshuvakha. Emergency crews repeatedly suspended their searches because of Russian drone attacks. The BBC also reported that a day of mourning had been declared throughout the Zaporizhzhia region.²

The Russian military had not publicly commented on the bombing, according to the BBC. Zelensky accused Moscow of rejecting efforts to reduce the fighting, saying: "This is yet another proof that Russia does not want any de-escalation."²

Humanitarian pause and talks

Zelensky contrasted the bombing with a recent joint Russian-Ukrainian operation that evacuated civilians from Oleshky. The Guardian reported that a temporary ceasefire had allowed the evacuation from the Russian-occupied city, but that no comparable missions were being planned at that point.¹²

Diplomatic discussions are also due to resume. The Guardian reported that US-led talks between Russia and Ukraine were scheduled for Nov 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi. Its account said Donald Trump had pressed for a settlement, but efforts to end the war had produced no breakthrough.¹