Ukraine raises death toll from Russian strike on Zaporizhia to 40 people

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the raised toll on Wednesday, noting that some bodies had not yet been accounted for and that more than 30 people may still be under the rubble. The strike on Monday was one of the deadliest attacks on civilians during Russia's nearly five-year-long war.

Local officials had earlier confirmed 37 deaths, estimating about 38 people could remain trapped after Russia dropped several bombs on a school building in Komyshuvakha, near the front line, which was being used to distribute aid. Ukraine reported a follow-up strike hit an underground shelter filled with people.

Four police officers and two members of a rescue crew were among the dead. Ukrainian police have released body-camera footage from one of the officers killed, showing people being ushered into the underground shelter as the officer receives a radio warning of incoming guided aerial bombs.

Terrorist Strike

Zelenskyy condemned the 'vile terrorist strike' and declared that it demonstrated Russia's unwillingness to de-escalate the conflict. He noted the attack had wasted an opportunity created by a ceasefire and humanitarian mission last week in the front-line village of Oleshky.

Ceasefire Talks

The attack comes as Kyiv prepares to attend ceasefire talks with Moscow next week brokered by the United States. The US has announced a new round of talks for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi to discuss post-war security agreements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures, and ending the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to the talks after meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on October 21. However, previous meetings have secured little progress, with Moscow refusing to compromise on demands including territorial concessions, demilitarization, and guarantees against NATO membership.

The Trump administration has appeared to offer support for Russia's position, stoking concern in Kyiv and across Europe. The United Nations human rights mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that the bombing likely violated international law.

Local authorities reported that Russian drones were hampering search efforts in Komyshuvakha, though Mykhailo Semikin, acting head of the regional military administration, insisted operations would continue despite these interruptions.