A Russian missile strike on the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Tuesday has left at least 51 people dead and 219 injured, marking one of the deadliest single attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The missiles struck a military educational facility and a nearby hospital, causing extensive damage and casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the figures and reiterated his call for increased air defense support from Western allies.
The attack, which Ukrainian authorities believe involved two Russian ballistic missiles, caused significant destruction in the area. The head of the Poltava region military administration, Filip Pronin, reported that rescue operations were ongoing, with up to 18 more people feared trapped under the rubble. At least 10 residential buildings near the military facility were also damaged by the blast.
2 ballistic missiles hit the territory of an educational institution and a nearby hospital in Poltava
More than 180 people were injured.
41 died. Many people are still under the rubble #RussiaIsATerroristState @POTUS @FLOTUS @VP @SecBlinken @KJP46 @SecDef pic.twitter.com/yzuYRb9fOJ— україночка_з_гарними_очима (@MarisChelo) September 3, 2024
The Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office initially reported a death toll of 47, but this figure was later updated to 51 as more bodies were recovered. Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as an act of terror and urging the international community to provide Ukraine with the necessary air defense systems to prevent further tragedies. He emphasized the urgent need for long-range strikes that could counter Russian missile threats.
Moscow has not commented on the attack, but Russian military bloggers, some with significant followings, celebrated the strike as a success, claiming, without evidence, that the casualties were much higher. The Ukrainian military and local authorities have declared three days of mourning in Poltava, with officials urging residents to donate blood for the injured.
The strike on Poltava has intensified calls within Ukraine for more robust defense measures and has sparked outrage among the Ukrainian public and international observers. Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska described the attack as a “terrible tragedy” for the nation. Western officials, including British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, condemned the assault as another example of Russia’s aggressive and unlawful actions in Ukraine.
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