Zelenskyy reports 40 dead after Russian bombs hit Zaporizhzhia school

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Tuesday that 40 people have been killed in a Russian aerial bomb attack on a school in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. He warned that the death toll could increase, noting that more than 30 individuals may still be trapped under the rubble of the destroyed structure.

Zelenskyy stated that search and rescue operations have been active at the site for three days. He said all necessary services are engaged in clearing debris, locating survivors, and recovering the dead. The president described the operation as extremely difficult and challenging, emphasizing that rescue teams work under the constant threat of new Russian strikes.

The strike occurred on November 2, when Russian forces dropped nine aerial bombs on the school. Zelenskyy explained that the building was being used to distribute humanitarian aid. The first strike hit people who had gathered inside to receive assistance. He said Russian forces subsequently struck the site again, hitting rescue workers and police officers who had arrived to help the victims of the initial bombing.

As of the latest report, some bodies have not yet been identified. Zelenskyy offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He noted that four injured survivors are currently being treated in a hospital in the city of Zaporizhzhia. The most critical case involves a 22-year-old woman who suffered burns covering approximately 81 percent of her body.

The president criticized the international response to the attack, describing it as an insane assault with very little reaction from the global community. He said Ukraine is counting on a response and specifically requested air defense support right now.