Deadliest Attack in Ukraine: 47 Killed in Missile Strike on Poltava Military Institute

At least 47 people were killed and 206 wounded when Russia struck a military institute in Poltava with two missiles on Tuesday. This is the deadliest single attack in the ongoing war this year. Ukrainian officials have called for justice and more Western air defense aid in response to intensified Russian missile and drone attacks.

At least 47 people were killed and 206 wounded when Russia struck a military institute in the central town of Poltava with two missiles on Tuesday, marking the war's deadliest single attack this year, Ukraine's first lady reported. Social media images showed bodies lying on the ground covered in dust and debris in front of a severely damaged building. Reuters has not yet verified the images.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack on the Telegram messaging app, promising a thorough investigation. 'The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike,' he stated. The attack damaged a building of the Military Institute of Communications, and it remains unclear who the victims were, though military bloggers speculate they might be cadets or newly mobilized trainees.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry noted the use of ballistic missiles meant there was little time for victims to find cover. The defense ministry reported ongoing rescue efforts, having saved 25 people, including 11 from the rubble. As missile strikes and drone attacks from Russia increase, Zelenskiy reiterated calls for more Western air defenses and long-range weaponry. Local authorities in Poltava declared three days of mourning as residents donated blood for the wounded.

(With inputs from agencies.)