Kyviv : Two ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces at the city of Poltava struck an educational institution and a nearby medical facility, killing at least 41 people and injuring over 180, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Poltava Oblast, located in central Ukraine, is frequently targeted by Russian drone and missile attacks. This assault appears to be among the most lethal carried out by Russian forces since the war began more than 900 days ago on February 24, 2022.
“The time interval between the alarm and the arrival of the deadly missiles was so brief that it caught people during their evacuation to the bomb shelter,” the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.
Many individuals remain trapped under the rubble, while rescuers and medics are working at the scene. They have successfully saved 25 people, including 10 who were extracted from the debris, according to the ministry’s statement.
“We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy is yet another evidence of the enemy’s cunning, which stops at no crime to try to intimidate Ukrainians,” the ministry said.
President Zelensky has ordered a “full and prompt investigation” into the circumstances of the attack on Poltava.
