Russia strikes Ukrainian aid centre, hospice in deadliest 24-hour toll

Russian forces have intensified strikes against civilian targets across Ukraine, striking an aid distribution centre, a hospice and a hospital in coordinated attacks that have claimed at least 38 lives in the past 24 hours. The bombardment represents one of the deadliest single-day tolls recorded in recent weeks of the conflict, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said rescue operations were underway at multiple sites, with emergency services working to locate survivors in the debris. He warned that the final casualty count could rise significantly as search and rescue teams continue operations at the affected locations. The attacks underscore Russia's continued targeting of civilian infrastructure despite international condemnation.

The strikes come as Russia maintains its military offensive across eastern and central Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have not specified the exact locations of the three targeted facilities, though they confirmed attacks occurred on medical and humanitarian installations. Emergency services have mobilized rescue teams equipped for complex debris clearance operations.

The attacks have drawn attention to the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, where hospitals, aid centres and hospices have been repeatedly struck throughout the ongoing conflict. International humanitarian organizations have called for greater protections for civilian facilities under international law.