Moscow/IBNS/UNI: Twenty bodies were pulled from under the rubble of what used to be a popular bakery in the city of Lysychansk in the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), the Russian Emergencies Ministry told Sputnik.

"The bodies of 20 deceased people have been recovered from under the rubble in Lysychansk after the shelling. Despite a threat of another strike, rescuers continue to remove the rubble and search for people at the risk of their own lives," the ministry's press office said.

Ukraine struck the crowded bakery in the early afternoon on Saturday, collapsing the building and trapping some 40 civilians under the rubble, the LPR military commander's office told Sputnik earlier.

Ten survivors were rushed to a hospital. The search for others continues, as about 20 people are believed to be still trapped under the debris.

"The Ukrainian armed forces opened fire at a bakery in Lysychansk, which provided bread to civilians. It is always crowded on weekends. Up to 40 people may be trapped under the debris," the military said.

The Russian Investigative Committee said the strike was launched using a US-supplied HIMARS rocket system.

Lysychansk is located close to the frontline. The Ukrainian army has been routinely shelling Lysychansk after losing control of the city in the summer of 2022.

Ukrainian troops blew up some of the administrative buildings before they pulled out.