Russian Missile Strike on Poltava: 41 Dead, 180 Injured in Attack, Zelenskyy Reports

On a tragic day for Ukraine, at least 41 individuals lost their lives and around 180 others were left injured as two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and a nearby hospital in the central-eastern region of Poltava, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday. 

Russian Missile strike kills 41 people

The devastating attack took place in the city of Poltava, the capital of the region of the same name, which is located approximately 200 miles southeast of Kyiv. Poltava serves as a crucial junction, connecting the main highway and rail route between the capital, Kyiv, and Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city near the Russian border.

This missile strike stands as one of the deadliest incidents carried out by Russian forces since the onset of the ongoing war, which has persisted for over 900 days since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The extent of the devastation was captured in video footage obtained by the Reuters news agency, portraying the aftermath of the Russian missile attack on Poltava. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed the tragic toll, stating that at least 41 individuals had perished as a result of the assault.

Aftermath and Immediate Response

In a video statement shared on his Telegram channel, President Zelenskyy revealed the partial destruction of one of the buildings of the Poltava Military Institute of Communications. The impact of the missiles left some individuals trapped under the collapsed structure, prompting swift rescue operations. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy noted that many lives were saved, with 25 individuals rescued, 11 of whom were pulled from the rubble. The prompt involvement of all necessary services highlighted the urgency of the rescue efforts. Zelenskyy also emphasized the initiation of a comprehensive and timely investigation into the circumstances of the attack, although he refrained from disclosing further details.

Western Military Aid and Urgent Needs

In the wake of this devastating event, President Zelenskyy reiterated his appeal to Ukraine's Western partners for a swift delivery of military aid. Expressing frustration with the delays in fulfilling previous pledges, he urged allied nations to expedite the provision of air defense systems and missiles. Zelenskyy underscored the urgent need for long-range strikes capable of safeguarding Ukraine from Russian threats, emphasizing that every day of delay translates to further loss of lives.