Russia attacks Poltava – Russian ballistic missiles hit school and hospital in Ukraine; 41 deaths were reported
Deadly Russian Missile Attack Hits Educational Centre and Hospital in Ukraine
At Least 41 People Killed and 180 Injured in Devastating Strike
By Illia Novikov
Kyiv, Ukraine, September 3 (AP) — A devastating missile attack struck an educational centre and a hospital in the Poltava region of Ukraine, killing at least 41 people and injuring 180 others, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The attack occurred in the city of Poltava, approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Kyiv. The city is a major transportation hub, located on the main road and railway route between Kyiv and Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, near the Russian border.
This attack is one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began over 900 days ago, on February 24, 2022.
I received preliminary reports on the Russian strike in Poltava. According to the information available, two ballistic missiles hit the area. They targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital, partially destroying one of the telecommunications institution’s buildings.… pic.twitter.com/TNppPr1OwF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) September 3, 2024
President Zelensky reported that one of the buildings of the Poltava Military Communication Institute was partially destroyed, leaving people trapped under the rubble. “Many were saved,” he said in a video posted on his Telegram channel.
Zelensky ordered a “full and speedy investigation” into the attack, but did not provide further details. He assured that all necessary services are part of the rescue operation.
The missiles struck shortly after an air raid warning was sounded, as many people sought shelter in a bomb shelter, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, which condemned the attack as “barbaric.”
Rescue teams and doctors rescued 25 people, including 11 who were dug out of the rubble, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
Today, the Russian aggressor brutally attacked one of Poltava’s educational institutions. The enemy launched two ballistic missiles.
So far, 41 people have died, and more than 180 have been injured.Our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy…
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 3, 2024