Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing a “massive attack” against Ukraine, coinciding with the U.S. midterm elections, as the world’s attention shifts. The statement came amid reports of a Russian airstrike on a school in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia, which was being used as a humanitarian aid center. The attack killed 24 people, including 2 rescuers and 4 police officers, with 5 others injured, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
The strike occurred after a brief humanitarian ceasefire in Kherson ended, with Zelensky noting that Russia’s actions “send a completely opposite signal: Russia counts on more deaths.” The attack also coincided with cyberattacks disrupting emergency alert systems in both Ukraine and Russia, which spread false warnings of radiation threats.
Zelensky Warns of Russian Offensive Amid U.S. Midterm Focus
Zelensky stated that Russia’s planned offensive would occur “while the world looks to the U.S. midterms,” citing intelligence reports. He emphasized that the attack on the humanitarian site in Zaporizhzhia demonstrated Moscow’s refusal to de-escalate, calling it ‘another proof that Russia does not want de-escalation or real justice.’. However, the attack highlighted ongoing clashes across Ukraine, including drone and missile strikes on energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without power. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that the attack on the school in Komyshuvakha, which was used as a humanitarian aid center, resulted in 24 deaths and 5 injuries, including injuries to 2 rescue workers.
An utterly horrific Russian attack on the settlement of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region. Since this morning, the settlement has been hit several times by aerial bombs. The strikes targeted a school used for humanitarian purposes – people were receiving humanitarian aid… pic.twitter.com/T02r0HlNCZ
Cyberattacks Disrupt Emergency Alerts as Ceasefire Ends
Russian authorities reported a “massive cyberattack” on their emergency alert app, which spread false information about radiation threats. Ukraine also experienced similar alerts, later attributed to a breach of its air defense system. The attacks occurred as the Kherson ceasefire, mediated by former U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, concluded.
Details of the Zaporizhzhia Strike
According to Mykhailo Semikin, head of the Zaporizhzhia Military Administration, Russian forces struck the center of the village with at least nine FAB-3000 guided bombs. More than 20 people are reported missing following the strike.
Cyberattack Claims and Response
Sources close to the Kremlin reported that a hacker collective called Hitcore claimed responsibility for the cyberattacks. However, Hitcore is not a well-known group and is not listed among the most dangerous hacking organizations, though experts warn that the advent of AI could increase the aggressive capabilities of less sophisticated groups. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the cyberattacks, stating, “It happens every day, the presidential site is also attacked.” The cyberattack on Russia’s emergency alert app spread false information about radiation threats across 33 regions of the country, according to reports.
Zelensky also indicated that Ukraine would halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if the U.S. provided powerful Patriot missile interceptors, as requested by former U.S. Donald Trump.
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