Horror in Poltava: Russian Missile Attack Kills 51, Injures 200+ at Ukrainian Military Facility

A Russian missile strike on a military education facility in Poltava, Ukraine, killed 51 and injured over 200. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for urgent air defense support and declared an investigation. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities fear more victims are trapped under the rubble.

At least 51 people were killed and more than 200 others injured in a Russian missile attack on a military educational facility in central Ukraine, according to CNN, citing Ukraine's prosecutor general's office. The strike, one of the deadliest since Moscow's invasion in February 2022, targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital in Poltava, partially destroying a telecommunications institute's building.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media platform X that two ballistic missiles hit the area. He emphasized the urgent need for air defense systems in Ukraine. Zelenskyy also shared that rescue teams are working tirelessly at the site, with fears that 18 more people may still be trapped under the rubble. At least 10 residential buildings were damaged.

The head of the Poltava region military administration, Filip Pronin, confirmed the latest death toll on Telegram. Meanwhile, a well-known Russian military blogger noted that Russia had struck a military school in Poltava. Expressing his condolences, Zelenskyy has ordered a full investigation and expressed gratitude to those involved in the rescue and relief operations. He also renewed his call for Western allies to provide more air defenses and lift restrictions on Ukrainian military actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)