On Tuesday morning, September 3rd, the city of Poltava was targeted in one of the most serious Russian attacks in recent times. Two ballistic missiles struck the city, causing significant destruction and numerous casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the attack resulted in 41 deaths and over 180 injuries. Among the damaged sites were the Military Communications Institute and a nearby hospital.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian aggressors targeted one of Poltava’s educational institutions. The time gap between the air raid warning and the missile strikes was so short that people were caught in the midst of evacuation to bomb shelters. One of the institute’s buildings was partially destroyed, trapping many under the rubble. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, 25 people were saved, including 11 who were pulled from the debris.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko noted that rescuers had already contained the fire at the scene and rescued more than 10 people from the rubble. He added that the blast wave damaged several buildings in the area, including residential blocks where windows were shattered, and facades were destroyed.

In his address, President Zelensky emphasized the need for an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the attack and reiterated his call for the international community to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems and long-range weapons to protect the country from such assaults. “Russian scoundrels will surely be held accountable for this attack,” Zelensky stated.

The Ministry of Defense also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, stressing that this tragedy is yet another testimony to the treachery of the enemy, who stops at nothing to terrorize Ukrainians.