'Exceptionally horrific strike' — Russian bombs strike school used as humanitarian aid center in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing 24

On November 2, Russian airstrikes targeting a school serving as a humanitarian aid distribution center in Komyshuvakha, Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of at least 24 individuals, including two rescue workers and four police officers, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. This tragic event, described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as "exceptionally horrific," unfolded as Russian forces initiated several aerial bomb attacks on the settlement throughout the morning.

Initially, a school where humanitarian aid was regularly distributed was struck, followed by a second wave of nine aerial bombs targeting a refuge area, Zelensky stated. The President emphasized that Russia was fully aware of the regular humanitarian aid distribution in the area, highlighting the devastating nature of the attack.

Among the fatalities were Denys Konovalenko and Oleksii Sushchevskyi, both 44-year-old rescue workers with extensive experience in Ukraine's civil protection service and fire and rescue units, respectively. Both had been honored with state awards for their service and were mourned by their families, who include four children between the two families.

The school, among others, was severely damaged, with a gymnasium, an outbuilding, and a fire truck also destroyed in the attack. Komyshuvakha, situated approximately 20 kilometers from the front line, has been designated a frontline settlement since November 2025 due to persistent Russian guided aerial bomb attacks using KABs, which can travel significant distances to reach distant targets.