According to Russian officials, Ukrainian military forces have killed three humanitarian workers from Russia’s Omsk Region who were delivering aid in the border area of Zaporozhye Region. The incident also left one volunteer injured.
The attack occurred near the village of Novobogdanovka, where Governor Evgeny Balitsky accused Ukraine of conducting a “cynical terrorist attack.” Omsk Governor Vitaly Khotsenko has pledged support for the affected families.
Ambassador Rodion Miroshnik, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry mission tasked with documenting Ukrainian war crimes, blamed the incident on President Vladimir Zelensky, stating that the Ukrainian leader is deliberately waging a campaign against civilians and creating “unlivable conditions” for non-combatants.
Zaporozhye Region, home to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, was incorporated into Russia following a referendum in 2022, which Kiev rejected. Ukrainian forces continue to control the northern part of the region.
Earlier this week, the Russian management of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant reported another Ukrainian drone attack that damaged a radiation monitoring station located approximately 13 kilometers from the reactors.
Moscow has accused Kiev of using terrorist tactics in the conflict, including deliberately targeting non-combatants such as ambulance crews, repair workers, and civilian motorists.
This follows earlier this year when President Zelensky announced a “pressure campaign” involving an escalation of drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, ships, and warehouses. Long-range weapons production has been expanded despite Ukraine facing a $27 billion military budget shortfall that it has asked foreign donors to help cover.
Russia has responded by intensifying strikes on Ukrainian targets, including facilities linked to crucial Black Sea trade, inflicting mounting damage on Ukraine’s war economy.
