Russian attack on school in Zaporiyia region kills at least 24

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported, “The number of fatalities from the Russian attacks against an educational institution in a settlement in Zaporiyia has risen to 24, including two rescuers and four police officers.” Five other people were injured, including two rescuers. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing.

President Volodimir Zelenski previously denounced the attack on Komishuvaya as “absolutely horrendous.”

“Since this morning, the settlement has been hit several times by aerial bombs. The attacks targeted a school used for humanitarian purposes. People were receiving humanitarian aid there,” Zelenski stated. He added that multiple waves of attacks affected a shelter where people had taken refuge from the initial bombings.

“Tragically, 18 deaths have already been reported. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Five people were injured,” he indicated, noting that rescue operations are underway. Kyiv has denounced the attack as an attempt to target residents while they were receiving humanitarian aid, framing it as “another proof that Russia wants no de-escalation nor any real justice.”

Zelenski insisted, “After the humanitarian operation in Oleshki, there was a moment when the next steps could have shown that progress towards peace was possible. With these killings, Russia is sending a completely opposite signal: Russia counts on more deaths.”

The Ukrainian leader has called for “a response from the world” to this new offensive, advocating for “a strong and harsh response. A response to Russia and support for Ukraine,” emphasizing that protecting lives must be the priority.

These bombings are in addition to other deadly attacks reported in the cities of Sloviansk and Mikolaiv. In Sloviansk, an air strike killed one woman and injured seven citizens in an attack on residential buildings, a store, an administrative building, and a warehouse. In Mikolaiv, Russian military ammunition struck a private residence, causing a fire that left one dead and one injured.