A Russian attack on the village of Komyshuvakha in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 18 and left 27 missing. President Zelensky said a school where aid was being handed out was targeted, but Russia's account has not been confirmed.
Liberty Times, citing foreign wire reports in the early hours of November 3 Taiwan time, said Russian forces struck Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhia region, killing at least 18, injuring five and leaving 27 unaccounted for. Zelensky wrote on social media that the attack began early that morning. He said the target was a school used for humanitarian aid, where residents had gathered to collect supplies, and that 18 deaths had been reported so far.
광고 문의 · 300×250The regional military governor posted the casualty and missing figures on Telegram. Liberty Times said video released by Ukraine's emergency service showed a destroyed building reduced to rubble with rescuers at work. With the fate of the 27 missing unconfirmed while rescue work continues, the death toll could rise.
A repeated pattern at aid sites
Komyshuvakha has been hit before. Ukrainian outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that on June 15 this year an attack on the village during an aid distribution wounded four people. Whether this incident repeats that pattern, and what weapon was used, has not been officially confirmed.
We also found no Russian explanation of this attack within our review. Russia has said it does not deliberately target civilians, a claim Ukraine and Western governments dispute. Until independent verification emerges, the account of events rests on Ukrainian officials, as noted here.
The strike came as reports circulated of a possible call between Putin and Zelensky. Whatever the outlook for a ceasefire or talks, civilian casualties near the front continue. We will correct and follow up if the figures for the dead and missing change.