In brief: Latvia has called for an extraordinary UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, over Russia’s latest attack on civilian infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia. Only a day prior, Russian forces struck a school in Komyshuvakha, which was used for weekly humanitarian aid distribution, with nine guided aerial bombs (KABs). The strike left at least 31 people dead, with roughly 58 others missing, and five other wounded.
Latvia has called for an extraordinary session of the UN Security Council after a Russian strike on a school in Komyshuvakha – which was used for weekly humanitarian aid distribution – killed at least 31 people and left 58 missing.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 3, singling out the strike that used nine guided aerial bombs (KABs) on the school and its shelter.
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Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Mykhailo Semikin described the attack as the deadliest Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia region since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“Latvia has called for an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council after horrific Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine, including on an aid distribution center in Komyshuvakha, where at least 26 innocent people were killed,” Braže wrote, although the figure cited had since been surpassed.
Latvia holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council in November for the first time in its history, which gives it authority to shape the council’s agenda for the month.
While Braže did not provide a possible timeline for the meeting, if convened, the session would present the attack before all 15 council members – including Russia itself.
Ukraine’s earlier request for an emergency meeting
Only several days prior, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha requested a separate emergency meeting, after previous Russian strikes left at least 25 civilians dead and more than 110 wounded nationwide.
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He reiterated that Russia is exploiting its status as a permanent member of the Security Council to prevent the body from carrying out its mandate.
As one of the council’s five permanent members, Russia holds veto power over its final resolutions, allowing Moscow to block action on its own war against Ukraine.
Death toll rises as dozens remain missing
In his latest update on Tuesday evening, Semikin said he had chaired a meeting of the regional Coordination Headquarters, which brings together rescuers, police, the military and other services dealing with the aftermath.
During the meeting, it was announced that funeral costs will be covered by regional authorities for every family that had lost a relative. Full assistance with the required paperwork will be provided as well.
“We will not leave a single family alone with its grief,” Semikin said.
According to the updated figures, 31 people had been confirmed dead, 20 of whom had yet to be identified.
The number of missing has also grown. Earlier in the day, Semikin put it at nearly 50; by evening, the figure grew to 58 people missing.
Five people wounded in the attack are receiving medical care.
Meanwhile, clearing the debris remains slow and hazardous. Russian forces have significantly stepped up drone attacks on the area, forcing rescuers to repeatedly suspend the search operation whenever air threats arise.
Moscow, for its part, has been known for its double-tap attacks, during which it strikes the same place for a second time while rescue operations are underway. At least four police officers and two rescue personnel have been killed in yesterday’s strikes.
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