Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that two Russian ballistic missiles hit an educational facility and a hospital in Poltava, central Ukraine, resulting in at least 41 deaths and 180 injuries. Many individuals are still trapped under the debris, according to a video Zelenskyy posted on Telegram.
The attack on Poltava is among the deadliest Russian strikes since the war began over 900 days ago on February 24, 2022. Russia has yet to acknowledge the incident. The Military Institute of Communications was partially destroyed, with rescue operations ongoing.
Poltava, located about 350 km (200 miles) southeast of Kyiv, is a crucial city on the route between Kyiv and Kharkiv, near the Russian border. Zelenskyy has urged immediate international support, including air defense systems and missiles, to combat the ongoing threat.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence described the day as “terrible” and noted that the missiles struck shortly after an air raid alert was issued, while people were heading to bomb shelters.
Rescue teams have saved 25 people, including 11 from the rubble. Governor Filip Pronin declared three days of mourning starting Wednesday, calling the attack a “great tragedy” and asserting that Russia must answer for its actions.
Russian military bloggers claimed the missiles targeted an outdoor ceremony. Ukrainian MP Maria Bezugla, known for her criticism of military leadership, blamed high-ranking officials for putting soldiers at risk and questioned when such tragedies will end.
Zelenskyy vowed that Russia would “surely pay” for the attack and stressed the urgency of receiving long-range strikes to protect Ukraine from further attacks.
