The Ukrainian authorities reported this Monday that at least 24 people have lost their lives in a Russian attack in the Zaporiyia region, in the context of a new wave of bombings that, according to Kiev, shows that Russia has no intention of reducing the intensity of the war after the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in the locality of Oleshki, in the Jersón region.
"The number of deaths as a result of Russian attacks against an educational institution in a locality in Zaporiyia has risen to 24, including two rescuers and four police officers," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported in its latest update.
"Another five people have been injured, including two rescuers. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing," it added.
The Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, had previously condemned the "absolutely horrific" attack against Komishuvaya. "Since this morning, the settlement has been hit several times by air bombs. The attacks targeted a school used for humanitarian purposes. People were receiving humanitarian aid there," he denounced.
According to his account, several rounds of bombings hit the shelter where people had taken refuge after the first explosions. "Tragically, 18 people have already been reported dead. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Five people have been injured," he indicated, stressing that rescue work continues.
Kiev maintains that the objective of the attack was to reach civilians while they were receiving humanitarian aid, something it describes as "further proof that Russia does not want any de-escalation or any real justice".
"After the humanitarian operation in Oleshki, there was a moment when the next steps could have shown that progress toward peace was possible. With these killings, Russia is sending a completely opposite signal: Russia counts on more deaths," Zelenski insisted, after regretting that the new Russian attacks have frustrated the possibility that cooperation in Oleshki would serve as an example.
Along these lines, the Ukrainian leader has called for "a response from the world" to this new offensive. "A strong and tough response. A response to Russia and support for Ukraine," he defended, emphasizing that the priority must be the protection of the civilian population.
More bombings in Sloviansk and Mikolaiv
The attacks in Zaporiyia are added to other deadly bombings in the cities of Sloviansk and Mikolaiv. In Sloviansk, an air attack has caused the death of a woman and has left seven other citizens wounded after the impact on several residential buildings, a store, an administrative building and a warehouse.
In Mikolaiv, projectiles from the Russian Army have hit a private home that ended up set on fire, causing the death of one person and leaving another wounded.