Russian strike on Ukrainian aid centre kills 26, leaves 27 missing

A Russian aerial attack on a school serving as a humanitarian aid distribution centre in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, killed at least 26 people and left 27 missing, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strike occurred on Monday, November 2, 2026, when residents gathered weekly to receive aid packages. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a "double-tap" or "double strike"—an initial bombing followed by a second wave targeting the shelter where civilians had gathered after the first impact. At least nine 3,000kg aerial bombs struck the location, with the death toll rising from an initial count of 18 to 26 by Monday evening. Among those killed were two rescue workers and four police officers.

Rescue teams worked to locate and extract people trapped under the rubble, though operations were repeatedly halted due to ongoing Russian drone activity in the region. Zelensky stated that the Russians "could not have been unaware" that residents gathered there weekly for humanitarian assistance, arguing the attack demonstrated Russia's unwillingness to pursue de-escalation. He characterised the strike as "vile" and "utterly horrific," occurring just one day after a localised ceasefire and humanitarian operation in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump.

Zelensky linked the attack to broader peace negotiations, suggesting that Moscow had squandered an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to de-escalation following the Oleshky operation. He also reported that Ukrainian intelligence had warned of Russian preparations for a new "massive attack" on Ukraine's energy and logistics infrastructure. The Russian military did not publicly comment on the airstrike.

The attack came amid announcements of renewed peace talks. US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that delegations from Ukraine and Russia would meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace. This marked the resumption of US-mediated negotiations, which had been suspended in February 2026. Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration head Mykhailo Semikin declared November 3 a day of mourning for victims across the region.