Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Tuesday that a Russian ballistic missile assault on the central Ukrainian city of Poltava has resulted in at least 41 fatalities and left more than 180 people injured. The strike, which involved two ballistic missiles, targeted both a military training facility and a nearby hospital.
Zelenskyy confirmed the heavy toll, stating, “The situation is tragic with at least 41 confirmed dead.” The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that the missiles struck the hospital and an educational institution, severely damaging one of the buildings at the educational site. The rapid nature of the attack, following shortly after air raid warnings, resulted in significant casualties as many people were caught during their evacuation efforts. Emergency services have rescued 25 individuals, including 11 who were trapped under debris.
Russian military sources claimed the strike was aimed at an outdoor event, but Ukrainian MP Maria Bezugla criticized military leaders for permitting such gatherings, attributing the casualties to their negligence.
In light of this attack, Zelenskyy has called for an urgent investigation into the incident and has urged Ukraine’s international allies to enhance their support with advanced air defense systems to mitigate future risks.