Forty people confirmed killed in Russian aerial bomb attack on school in Komyshuvakha, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that 40 people have been confirmed killed in a Russian aerial bomb attack on a school in the settlement of Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. He warned that the number of victims could still rise, as more than 30 people may remain trapped beneath the rubble of the destroyed building.

In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy said search and rescue operations had been under way at the site of the Russian strike for three days. He said all necessary services were involved in the effort to clear the debris, locate survivors and recover those who had been killed.

The president stressed how dangerous the work at the site has become, with rescue teams operating under the constant threat of further bombardment. "It is an extremely difficult operation, very challenging, and it is being carried out under virtually constant threat of new Russian strikes," he said.

Zelenskyy said that, as of now, 40 people had been reported killed. "Unfortunately, some bodies have not yet been identified," he said, offering his condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed. He added that more than 30 people may still be under the rubble.

According to the president, Russian forces dropped nine aerial bombs on the school in Komyshuvakha. The first strike hit people who had come to the building to receive humanitarian aid.

Russian forces then struck again, hitting the rescue workers and police officers who had arrived at the scene to help the victims of the initial bombing, Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy noted that there had been very little international reaction to what he described as an insane attack. He added that he is counting on a response. "Ukraine needs air defence support right now," he said.

The attack took place on 2 November, when Russian forces bombed the school. The building had been used to distribute humanitarian aid, and people had gathered there to receive assistance when the bombs hit.

Four people injured in the attack are being treated in a hospital in the city of Zaporizhzhia. The most critical case is that of a 22-year-old woman who suffered burns to around 81 per cent of her body.