The recent Russian missile strike in Poltava, Ukraine, has left 41 dead and 180 wounded, marking one of the deadliest assaults in the ongoing conflict.
At a Glance
- Russian missile strike in Poltava, Ukraine, kills over 50 people and wounds more than 200.
- The strike hit a military academy and a nearby hospital, causing significant damage.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and ordered an investigation.
- The Kremlin did not comment on the strike, remaining silent amid growing international rebuke.
A Devastating Strike
A Russian missile strike in Poltava, Ukraine, killed 41 people and injured 180 more, causing one of the most devastating episodes in the ongoing conflict. The missiles struck a military academy and a nearby hospital, collapsing several floors of the Poltava Military Institute of Communication’s main building.
Immediate rescue operations saved 25 people from the rubble, with 11 among them requiring critical medical attention. The attack shattered apartment windows and caused significant road damage, affecting ten residential buildings. More than 150 people donated blood to aid the wounded.
At least 41 people were killed and 180 injured in a Russian missile strike in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy says. https://t.co/XfbHkdGpRE
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 3, 2024
International Reactions and Zelenskyy’s Condemnation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, labeling it a “terrorist” act and urging Western partners for swift military aid. In a video posted on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy stated, “People (in Poltava) found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved.”
President Biden and other international leaders, including British and German officials, condemned the attack, promising continued support for Ukraine. The strike, described as a “deplorable attack,” renewed calls for enhancing Ukraine’s air defense systems and capabilities.
Russian missile strike kills 41 people in Ukraine’s Poltava, injures 180 https://t.co/ikzCGE3OKQ
— Emma Graney 🇦🇺🤷🏻♀️🇨🇦 (@EmmaLGraney) September 3, 2024
Ongoing Rescue Efforts and The Voice of the People
The attack left a trail of destruction, with footage showing significant damage and blood visible. Ukrainian officials launched an investigation into the strike, with First Lady Olena Zelenska calling the attack a tragedy and expressing condolences. Zelensky added, “My condolences to all the families and friends,” during a video address, emphasizing the need to ensure that this has consequences.
In reaction to the strike, Poltava volunteer Yevheniy Zemskyy said, “I heard explosions … I was at home at that time. When I left the house, I realized that it was something evil and something bad.”
The attack coincided with a major government reshuffle in Ukraine, as several officials resigned following recent scandals. Reports indicate that recent attacks also targeted Kyiv with a barrage of missiles and drones, many of which were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defenses.
Sources
- Russian missile strike kills more than 50 people and wounds over 200 in Ukrainian city of Poltava, officials say
- Russian Strike Kills 51 In Ukrainian City
- Russian missiles blast Ukrainian military academy and hospital, killing more than 50, officials say
- Russian Strikes Kill More Than 50 in Ukraine, Zelensky Says
- Russian missiles kill 50 in Ukraine’s Poltava in deadliest strike this year
- Russian Strike Kills 50 and Injures 270 More in Ukraine, Zelensky Says
- Russian missile strike kills 50 people, wounds more than 200 in one of the deadliest assaults on Ukraine since war began
- Russian strike kills 51 in Ukrainian city
- 47 dead, hundreds wounded in Russian missile strike in Ukraine, officials say
- Russian strike kills dozens in Ukrainian city