Russian strike on Ukrainian aid centre leaves 42 dead and dozens missing
A Russian bombing of an aid distribution centre in southeastern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region has killed 42 people, making it one of the deadliest attacks on civilians this year. Dozens of others remain missing, leaving the final toll potentially higher as officials continue efforts to account for those affected.
The strike came on Monday, just one day after a brief US-brokered local ceasefire had expired. Its timing adds to the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to halt the war, which has now entered its fifth year. The attack also occurred less than a week before the United States is due to bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi for talks focused on ending the conflict.
The location of the bombing is particularly significant because it was being used to distribute aid, placing civilians seeking essential assistance at the centre of the attack. The high number of deaths and the large number of people still unaccounted for underline the continuing danger facing communities far from any formal negotiating table, even as preparations for renewed talks move ahead.
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