Two Russian ballistic missiles hit a hospital and an educational institution in Poltava, Ukraine.
Kiev, Ukraine:
At least 41 people were killed and more than 180 injured in Ukraine’s Poltava district today after two Russian ballistic missiles hit a military education center.
Two Russian ballistic missiles hit a hospital and an educational institution, partially destroying one of the institute’s buildings, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.
“The time interval between the alarm and the arrival of the deadly missiles was so short that people were caught while they were evacuating to the shelter,” the Ukrainian Defense Ministry added.
President Zelenskyy wrote on social media website X: “I have received preliminary reports about the Russian attack in Poltava. According to available information, two ballistic missiles hit the area. They targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital, including one of the buildings of the telecommunications institute.”
He further wrote that there are fears that many are trapped in the rubble. While 41 people were killed, more than 180 others were injured in the attack. He also said that search and rescue operations are being carried out and several people have also been rescued.
President Zelenskyy also posted a video message to all Ukrainians.
I received preliminary reports about the Russian attack in Poltava. According to available information, two ballistic missiles hit the area. They targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital, partially destroying one of the telecommunications institute’s buildings. pic.twitter.com/TNppPr1OwF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 3, 2024
“People were trapped under the rubble. Many people were rescued, but more than 180 were injured. Unfortunately, there are many victims. At this moment we know that 41 people have died. My deepest condolences to all their relatives and loved ones,” President Zelensky wrote.
The Ukrainian president has ordered a major investigation into the attack and its circumstances. He confirmed that “all necessary services are involved in the rescue operations.” He also thanked the people who helped immediately after the attack. “I am grateful to everyone who helped and saved lives from the very first moments after the strike,” he wrote.
President Zelensky has vowed that Russia will “definitely pay for this strike.”
Me Zelenskyy called it a “terrorist attack” and wrote: “We continue to urge everyone in the world with power to stop this terror: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not stockpiled. to protect us from Russian terror are needed now, and not later. Unfortunately, every day of delay means more lives lost.”