Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that a devastating Russian missile strike on the city of Poltava has resulted in the deaths of 41 people and left over 180 injured. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy confirmed that the attack targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital, causing widespread destruction.
“I received preliminary reports on the Russian strike in Poltava. According to available information, two ballistic missiles hit the area,” Zelenskyy wrote. The Ukrainian president expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that many victims were trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, and rescue operations were underway.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Zelenskyy’s post revealed that one of the key targets of the strike was a telecommunications institute, which was partially destroyed in the attack. A hospital close to the institute was also badly damaged, exacerbating the toll on human life. “People were trapped under the rubble. Many people were rescued, but more than 180 were injured. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. As of now, we know that 41 people were killed,” Zelenskyy said, offering his deepest condolences to the families of those lost in the attack.
Ukrainian emergency services have been working around the clock to rescue survivors and provide medical care to those injured. Zelenskyy praised the rescue teams, saying, “I am grateful to everyone who has been helping and saving lives from the very first moments following the strike.”
Call for Air Defense Support
The deadly strike in Poltava comes as the latest reminder of the ongoing violence in Ukraine, and Zelenskyy used the opportunity to once again call on the international community for increased military aid, particularly air defense systems. “The Russian scum will surely pay for this strike,” Zelenskyy declared. He continued to urge Western nations to provide Ukraine with the necessary defense capabilities to counter these attacks, saying, “We continue to urge everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage.”
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for immediate action, warning that delays in providing long-range defense systems could lead to further loss of life. “Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not later. Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lost lives,” he said. His plea reflects Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to defend itself against Russian air strikes, which have targeted civilian infrastructure and populated areas since the conflict began.
One of the Deadliest Strikes Since the War Began
The attack on Poltava is believed to be one of the deadliest since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, over 900 days ago. While the details of the attack are still emerging, the destruction and loss of life have added to the already severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
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Although there has been no official response from Russian authorities regarding the attack, the strike has raised alarm about the increasing violence in the region. Poltava, located in central Ukraine, had not been as frequently targeted as cities in the eastern and southern parts of the country. However, the recent strike underscores the unpredictable and indiscriminate nature of the conflict, with civilian areas continuing to suffer heavy casualties.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The attack on Poltava highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, as ongoing Russian strikes target critical infrastructure, residential areas, and essential services. The international community has condemned these attacks, and humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate measures to protect civilians.
Zelenskyy’s urgent request for additional air defense systems reflects the desperate need for stronger protections against Russian missile strikes. With no immediate end in sight to the conflict, Ukraine continues to seek international support to bolster its defenses and protect its civilian population from further atrocities.
The attack in Poltava is a tragic reminder of the high human cost of the war and the urgency for diplomatic and military solutions to prevent further loss of life.
