ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — A Russian drone struck emergency workers carrying out rescue operations at a humanitarian aid centre in southern Ukraine on Sunday, November 8, damaging specialized equipment at a site where an earlier Russian bombing killed at least 55 people.
The latest attack targeted a former school and underground shelter in the village of Komyshuvakha, in the Zaporizhzhia region. The facility had been used by residents as a shelter and a distribution point for humanitarian assistance before multiple Russian guided bombs struck it earlier in the week.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed that no rescue workers were injured in Sunday’s drone attack, although specialized rescue equipment was damaged. Approximately 50 people remained missing as search operations continued.
Death Toll Rises After Humanitarian Centre Bombing
The initial bombing on November 2 destroyed the former school and underground facility where residents had gathered to receive humanitarian assistance.
Ukrainian authorities said at least 55 people were killed, making the incident one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Many of the recovered bodies have yet to be identified, with authorities using DNA testing to establish victims’ identities.
Residents had been gathering at the facility to collect essential supplies, including food and bread. Some victims were community volunteers who remained in the area to assist vulnerable residents.
Ukraine has accused Russian forces of carrying out a so-called double-tap attack, involving repeated strikes on the same location to hit emergency responders arriving after the initial bombing.
Police Officers Among Those Killed
The attacks have also claimed the lives of six Ukrainian police officers, prompting an emotional farewell ceremony in the Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday.
Colleagues, relatives and community members gathered to honour the officers and three residents killed in the strikes.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Andrii Khomenko said the officers had attempted to protect themselves while helping civilians, including children, but faced overwhelming danger.
Among the civilian victims was Natalia Karapetian, whose husband, community leader Yurii Karapetian, said she had been distributing bread to residents when the bombs struck.
Zelenskyy Calls for Stronger International Action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Sunday’s drone attack, describing the targeting of emergency crews as an act of brutality.
He also called on Western partners to impose additional sanctions against companies and individuals involved in supplying components used to manufacture Russian missiles.
Zelenskyy said Russia had launched 115 missiles, approximately 1,900 guided aerial bombs and more than 3,000 drones against Ukraine over the previous week.
He further reported that attacks on energy infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk region had left more than 600,000 people without electricity.
Nuclear Safety Concerns Grow
Separately, the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost its external electricity supply after a damaged power line was disconnected.
The facility switched to backup diesel generators to maintain essential operations, including cooling systems.
The latest developments have renewed concerns about the risks of prolonged power disruptions at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.
As rescue operations continue in Komyshuvakha, the repeated attacks have intensified concerns about civilian protection and the safety of emergency personnel working in Ukraine’s front-line communities.
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