Deadly Missile Attack Strikes Poltava, Ukraine: Casualties Rise
In a tragic escalation of violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that a recent Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Poltava has resulted in at least 41 fatalities and around 180 injuries. The assault, which took place approximately 150 kilometers west of Kharkiv, has drawn widespread condemnation and concern over its impact on civilian life.
The missile strike occurred around 2 PM local time and was reportedly executed with two ballistic missiles, targeting a training institute and a nearby hospital. In addition to these facilities, preliminary assessments indicate damage to a military communications institute located in the vicinity of the attack. Rescue operations are currently in progress to assist those injured, with Ukrainian authorities confirming that 11 people have already been extricated from the debris.
Tragically, some casualties were reported among individuals seeking refuge in air raid shelters. Eyewitness accounts suggest that chaos ensued shortly after the air raid sirens were activated. Pro-Russian Telegram channels have claimed that the strike specifically hit a military training center, asserting that many of the deceased were military cadets; however, this information remains unverified by independent news organizations, according to BBC News.
This attack marks another chapter in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, raising alarms over the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire. As the situation develops, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense continues to provide updates and coordinate efforts to aid the injured and restore safety to the beleaguered region. International responses to the attack are anticipated as global leaders call for an end to hostilities and a resolution to the humanitarian crisis affecting the region.
Related Sources: