On Tuesday, two ballistic missiles struck a military academy and a nearby hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, causing extensive damage and resulting in over 50 deaths and more than 200 injuries. This strike is reported to be one of the deadliest since the war began.
The missiles hit the main building of the Poltava Military Institute of Communication, leading to several stories collapsing. The immediate aftermath saw shattered bricks and pools of blood outside the institution, with roads littered with glass from broken windows.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for an investigation into the attack, which has left many trapped under rubble. “People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved,” Zelenskyy stated in a video on Telegram.
Filip Pronin, the governor of Poltava region, confirmed the casualties and damage. According to Pronin, up to 18 people might be buried under the debris, and ten apartment buildings were damaged. More than 150 people have already donated blood in response to the tragedy.
The military academy, which trains officers in communications, electronics, and drone operations, was a significant target. Pronin described the attack as a “great tragedy” and announced three days of mourning starting Wednesday.
The Kremlin has not commented on the strike, and it remains unclear if the casualties included civilians or were confined to military personnel. This attack follows a pattern of deadly Russian strikes on civilian targets throughout the war.
The missiles struck shortly after an air-raid alert, catching many people on their way to bomb shelters. Ukrainian Defense Ministry described the strike as “barbaric” and reported that rescue teams managed to save 25 people, including 11 from the rubble.
The attack coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia. There are no indications that Mongolia would comply with international demands to arrest him on war crimes charges.
In response, President Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to expedite the delivery of military aid and provide long-range defense systems to protect Ukraine from further attacks. He emphasized the urgent need for support to prevent more loss of life.