Russian ballistic missiles struck the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Tuesday, killing at least 41 people and injuring more than 180, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This attack, described as one of the deadliest single strikes of the war, targeted the Military Institute of Communications and a nearby medical facility.
Zelensky, in a somber video address, confirmed that two ballistic missiles were used in the assault, which also inflicted substantial damage on the institute's infrastructure. "The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike," Zelensky stated firmly on Telegram. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced Western air defense systems and long-range weapons, urging allies to expedite their support to prevent further casualties.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that the missiles hit the educational institution and a neighboring hospital early in the morning. The time between the air raid alarm and the missile impact was notably short, catching many people off guard as they attempted to seek refuge in bomb shelters. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services managing to extricate 25 individuals from the rubble by early afternoon local time.
The Ministry of Defense condemned the attack as a blatant act of terror, intended to intimidate and demoralize Ukrainians. "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," the ministry's statement read. It also urged the public to rely solely on official information sources amidst the chaos.
Poltava Oblast, located in central Ukraine, has been a recurrent target for Russian drone and missile strikes throughout the conflict. The latest attack underscores the continued threat faced by Ukrainian cities away from the frontline, highlighting the broader impact of the war on civilian areas.
The assault on Poltava has drawn international condemnation, but Moscow has yet to issue an official response. Russian military blogger Vladimir Rogov reported earlier that the target was a military school, but details from Moscow remain scarce.
In the wake of the attack, Zelensky has reiterated his call for more substantial Western military support. "We keep telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: air defense systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere," he said. The Ukrainian leader's plea for immediate assistance underscores the pressing need for advanced defensive capabilities to counter ongoing Russian aggression.
The UK's recent decision to partially suspend arms export licenses to Israel has drawn criticism from various quarters, but it also highlights the broader debate on international arms control and support for allied nations in conflict zones. The situation in Ukraine, marked by repeated and severe attacks, further intensifies the urgency for comprehensive and timely international support.
