Ukraine Says Russian Strike on Humanitarian Aid Center Kills 24

Russian airstrikes on a humanitarian aid center in southern Ukraine resulted in at least 24 deaths, according to Ukrainian authorities. This incident is part of a series of recent attacks that have resulted in growing civilian casualties. The attack targeted an aid distribution center located in a school and a nearby shelter in the Komyshuvakha settlement of the Zaporizhzhia region.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, describing it as "utterly horrific" and accusing Russia of refusing de-escalation and justice. The footage of the devastation was shared on Zelenskyy's social media platforms. However, Bloomberg could not independently verify the details of the attack. Russia has intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure, including retail outlets, logistics systems, and residential buildings, as their military faces record casualties and loses territory to Ukrainian forces.

In September, civilian casualties in Ukraine surged by 85%, according to a UN report, marking the highest September death toll since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Long-range missiles and drones contributed to over half of the civilian deaths during that month. While casualties in Russia are also rising due to Ukrainian strikes penetrating deeper into the country, the overall number is still significantly lower compared to Ukraine.

The UN documented 496 civilian fatalities in Russia through September, whereas Ukraine witnessed 2,570.