President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the death toll from the Russian attack on Komyshuvakha has risen to 40, while more than 30 people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
"Search and rescue operations have been continuing for a third day at the site of the Russian strike on a school in the settlement of Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region. (...) So far, 40 people are confirmed dead. Unfortunately, some of the bodies have not yet been identified. My condolences go to the families and loved ones of those killed. More than 30 people may still be trapped beneath the rubble," Zelenskyy said.
According to the president, the rescue operation, involving all emergency services, is being complicated by the constant threat of further Russian strikes.
"Unfortunately, there has been very little reaction from the world to this horrific attack. But this attack, like the thousands upon thousands of other war crimes Russia has committed against Ukraine and Ukrainians, demands a strong response. Evil always goes further when it goes unanswered. We expect a response: Ukraine needs air defence support right now," the president emphasised.
Russian forces dropped nine aerial bombs on an underground school in Komyshuvakha, which was being used as a civilian resilience centre.
The strike occurred while humanitarian aid was being distributed at the facility.
