Zaporizhzhia Aid Centre Strike Kills 40 as Dozens Remain Missing Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks

The number of people killed in Monday’s Russian bombing of a humanitarian aid point in southeastern Ukraine has reached 40, and officials say 59 more are unaccounted for. It is one of the deadliest attacks on civilians this year, and it comes days before US-hosted peace talks begin.

What Happened in Komyshuvakha

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russian aircraft first hit an underground school building as residents arrived to collect supplies, then bombed the shelter again. The school had been closed for classes because the village sits about 17 km from Russian positions, yet it served as a shelter and aid hub every Monday. Two rescuers and four police officers are among the dead. Ukrainian police said a 3 ton FAB glide bomb was among the weapons used. World Central Kitchen described the site as a place where locals organized help for their own neighbors.

Competing Claims

Russia’s Defence Ministry says it targeted Ukrainian military units around the village and killed up to 25 soldiers. Both countries deny deliberately targeting civilians.

Timing Ahead of Peace Talks

The attack came a day after a six day ceasefire, brokered by Melania Trump to evacuate nearly 800 people from Oleshky, expired. US envoy Steve Witkoff says delegations from both sides will meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss ending the war, now in its fifth year.