In brief: Ukraine’s National Police released bodycam footage showing the final moments before a Russian double-tap strike on a humanitarian aid distribution site in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region. Forty-two people have been killed, and another 33 may remain trapped under the rubble.
Ukraine’s National Police have released the bodycam footage capturing the final moments before a Russian strike on a shelter in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, that killed 42 people.
The footage was recorded by a police officer taking part in the evacuation of residents from a former school building on Monday, Nov. 2. The officer was among those killed in the attack, police said.
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The video (Warning: The footage shows people being killed. Viewer discretion is advised) shows police officers urging residents to take shelter after receiving a warning of a second incoming attack involving guided aerial bombs (KABs).
People can be seen rushing into the shelter. In the final seconds of the recording, the ceiling collapses as the building is struck.
Russian forces dropped nine glide bombs (KABs) on Komyshuvakha on Monday, initially hitting the former school where residents had gathered to collect humanitarian aid. They then launched a second wave of attacks, targeting the shelter where civilians had taken cover and the rescuers and police officers who had arrived at the scene.
The school was no longer operating as an educational institution. Children from the settlement had been evacuated in June, and humanitarian aid was being distributed there on the day of the attack.
The death toll has risen to 42, Ukraine’s National Police said on Thursday, Nov. 5, in an update. Another 33 people may still be trapped under the rubble.
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Russian propaganda claimed the strike targeted Ukrainian military formations. Russian military bloggers alleged that the building housed a drone command center.
Rescue operation continues under strike threats
The search and rescue operation has been exceptionally difficult, with Russian drones, shelling, and thick smoke inside the damaged building hampering efforts to reach survivors.
The threat of further Russian attacks has also put emergency crews at risk.
At least four police officers and two State Emergency Service (DSNS) rescuers were among those killed. Several others were injured, including two emergency workers who were hospitalized.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, President Volodymyr Zelensky said around 30 more people are potentially still trapped beneath the rubble.
“Unfortunately, there has been very little reaction from the world to this insane attack,” Zelensky said.
“Evil always goes further if it remains unanswered. We are counting on a response: support for Ukraine with air defense is needed now.”
Latvia, which holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in November for the first time in its history, has called for an extraordinary Security Council session over the attack.
If convened, the meeting would put the strike before all 15 council members, including Russia. As one of the five permanent members, Moscow has veto power over council resolutions.
The attack came a day after a localized ceasefire around Russian-occupied Oleshky in the Kherson region ended. Zelensky said the strike had undermined hopes for de-escalation, accusing Moscow of signaling that it intended to continue the killings.
Region to cover funeral costs and compensation for injured
The Zaporizhzhia regional budget will cover funeral expenses for those killed in the attack, Mykhailo Semikin, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, said on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Victims with moderate injuries will receive Hr.20,000 (about $440), while those with severe injuries will receive an additional Hr.30,000 (about $670), bringing total compensation to up to Hr.50,000 (about $1,100) per person.
“We will provide assistance with all necessary paperwork. People should not have to deal with bureaucratic difficulties during this difficult time,” Semikin said.
Police collect DNA samples to identify victims
Specialists from the regional police unit responsible for tracing people missing under special circumstances are working with victims’ families to collect biological samples and create DNA profiles for comparison with those of the deceased.
Police are also helping relatives navigate the identification process and the necessary procedures.
Authorities said they were making every effort to identify the victims as quickly as possible and return their bodies to their families for burial.
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