Ukraine Releases Bodycam Footage of Russian Bomb Strike That Killed at Least 40

Ukrainian police have released bodycam footage showing the moments before a second Russian bomb strike hit an underground shelter in the southern village of Kamyshuvakha, killing at least 40 people.

The footage, recorded by a police officer who was later killed, shows residents moving into the shelter after an initial attack on Monday. Seconds later, an explosion is heard and flames appear as the shelter is struck.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 30 people could still be trapped under the rubble as rescue operations continued for a third day.

Bodycam Captures Moments Before Second Strike

The video, released by Ukraine's National Police on Wednesday, shows the destruction caused by the first attack in Kamyshuvakha, in the Zaporizhzhia region.

As residents gathered near the damaged buildings, a military official is heard warning police officers over a two-way radio that more glide bombs were being launched towards the village.

"Quickly, go to the shelter!" one officer tells residents, who are seen entering an underground facility at least two floors below ground level.

Seconds later, another explosion hits the shelter and the recording ends.

Ukraine said the shelter was located near a local school being used to distribute humanitarian assistance. BBC Verify confirmed that the footage was recorded at the same location shown in videos released by Ukraine's State Emergency Service after the attack.

Zelensky Says Nine Bombs Were Dropped

In a statement on social media on Wednesday, Zelensky said Russian forces had dropped nine aerial bombs on the village.

He alleged that the first strike targeted people who had gathered to receive humanitarian aid, while subsequent attacks hit rescuers and police officers who arrived at the scene.

The Ukrainian president criticised what he described as limited international reaction to the attack and called it another alleged war crime committed by Russia.

Ukraine also said some of the glide bombs used in the attack weighed as much as 3,000kg.

Rescue Operations Continue

Images released by Ukraine's emergency services showed a massive crater and the remains of the completely destroyed shelter.

Rescue teams, including personnel from the emergency services and police, continued searching through the rubble for survivors and victims. Zelensky said more than 30 people might still be trapped beneath the debris.

The Russian military had not publicly commented on the reported strikes at the time of the report.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a war that has caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

BBC News