Top pick: Measles claims child's life in New York, first such death in 30 years
Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 03 Nov 2026
#Russia Ukraine war #Russian airstrike #Ukraine school bombing #Zaporizhzhia attack #Komyshuvakha bombing #31 killed in Ukraine #48 missing
Russia dropped nine bombs on a school building in southeastern Ukraine. Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy/X
At least 31 people were killed after Russia dropped nine bombs on a school building in southeastern Ukraine where civilians had taken shelter, media reports said.
At least 31 deaths have been confirmed, while another 48 people remain unaccounted for following the attack on the building in Komyshuvakha, in the Zaporizhzhia region. The facility was being used as a shelter and a humanitarian aid distribution centre, local Governor Mykhailo Semikin was quoted as saying by CNN.
The victims had taken refuge in a newly constructed, EU-funded reinforced basement designed to withstand most strikes, Semikin said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the incident as "utterly horrific".
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the strikes targeted a school being used for humanitarian purposes, where people had gathered to receive aid.
An utterly horrific Russian attack on the settlement of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region. Since this morning, the settlement has been hit several times by aerial bombs. The strikes targeted a school used for humanitarian purposes – people were receiving humanitarian aid there. After the first aerial bomb strike, there was a double-tap strike with nine more bombs, specifically targeting the shelter where people were taking cover. Tragically, 18 people have already been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Five people have been injured. A rescue operation is underway at the site, and the search for people continues. It is extremely difficult. Military forces, first responders, and special services are involved. The Russians could not have been unaware that every week, local residents who had remained in Komyshuvakha received humanitarian aid at that very location. And this is further proof that Russia wants no de-escalation and no real justice. After the humanitarian operation in Oleshky, there was a moment when the next steps could have shown that progress toward peace was possible. With these killings, Russia is sending an entirely opposite signal: Russia is counting on more killings. There must be a response to this – a response from the world. A strong and tough response. A response to Russia. And support for Ukraine. We must protect lives. Thank you to everyone who is helping!
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 2, 2026
"After the first aerial bomb strike, there was a double-tap strike with nine more bombs, specifically targeting the shelter where people were taking cover. Tragically, 18 people have already been reported killed," he wrote.
Zelenskyy said five people had been injured and that rescue operations were underway, with emergency responders, military personnel and special services involved in the search for survivors.
He further condemned Russia's actions and called for a strong international response, along with continued support for Ukraine.
"With these killings, Russia is sending an entirely opposite signal: Russia is counting on more killings. There must be a response to this – a response from the world. A strong and tough response," he said.