The death toll from a Russian strike on a building used to distribute humanitarian aid in the settlement of Komyshuvakha in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region has risen to 40, APA reports, citing the Associated Press.
According to the report, nearly 30 more people are believed to remain trapped under the rubble.
The New York Times reported that the attack could be one of the deadliest Russian strikes against Ukrainian civilians during the war.
The strike targeted a building that had previously served as a school before being converted into a humanitarian aid distribution center.
Food and medicine were distributed to local residents at the facility every Monday. Civilians had gathered inside the building to receive humanitarian assistance when the attack occurred.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces first dropped aerial bombs on the school building and then targeted a shelter.
Rescue operations are continuing at the site. However, the threat of further strikes has complicated search and rescue efforts.
The Russian Ministry of Defense, meanwhile, stated that Ukrainian military units had been targeted in the area.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
