World

Death Toll in Zaporizhia Aid Centre Attack Rises to 53

By Anadolu and Reuters

The death toll from a Russian attack on an aid distribution centre in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region has risen to at least 53 people, according to Ukrainian officials. The strike, which hit the village of Komyshuvakha on Monday, has become one of the deadliest Russian attacks this year. Ukraine’s emergency service announced on Friday that the toll had increased after eight more bodies were recovered from the rubble. Acting regional governor Mykhailo Semikin said the death toll reached 53 as rescuers continued their search for missing bodies on the fifth day. Local police reported on Wednesday that 59 people were listed as missing, though some may already have been identified among the bodies found. Police also said that as many as 39 people may still be trapped under debris. DNA samples are being taken to identify the bodies. Russian aircraft bombed a former school near the front lines on Monday, which civilians used for weekly aid handouts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a second wave of bombs then hit the underground shelter where people had taken cover, causing most of the destruction. He described the attack as a “vile terrorist strike” and said it signalled Moscow’s refusal to stop the fighting. The UN human rights mission in Ukraine said the strike was likely a breach of international law. The attack came a day after a six‑day ceasefire in the Russian‑occupied city of Oleshky ended. Russia and Ukraine continued to trade drone attacks on Thursday, injuring several people on both sides, including a child. In the eastern Donetsk region, Russian attacks on Wednesday killed four civilians and injured five others. Delegations from both Ukraine and Russia are expected to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10‑11 for US‑brokered talks, though previous rounds made little progress.