24 killed as Russia bombs Ukraine aid distribution site

At least 24 individuals lost their lives in a Russian airstrike targeting a school in Komyshuvakha, a town in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya region, according to civil defence authorities. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as a "horrific Russian attack" and stating that the settlement had been hit multiple times with aerial bombs throughout the day.

The president revealed that Russia launched over 10 bombs on the site, with a subsequent "double-tap" strike comprising nine more bombs aimed at the shelter where people sought refuge.

Zelensky noted that Russia must have been aware of the weekly collection of humanitarian aid from the school by the remaining residents of Komyshuvakha. He emphasized that the attack proved Russia's unwillingness for de-escalation and lack of genuine justice. Following a recent ceasefire in Oleshky that allowed residents to evacuate, Zelensky highlighted that Russia was sending a contrasting message by committing further murders. He urged for a "strong and firm" global response to the violence.

Situated approximately 25 kilometers east of Zaporizhzhya and a dozen kilometers from the front line, Komyshuvakha has experienced a series of heavy Russian airstrikes over the past months. In mid-October, the city of Zaporizhzhya suffered 23 casualties, including four minors, during an attack. Additionally, warehouse buildings in the region have been targeted by ballistic missiles, drones, and glide bombs, which are often dropped by Russian fighter aircraft from high altitudes and glide to their targets using satellite navigation. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion since February 2022.