Poltava, Ukraine – A deadly Russian missile strike on the central Ukrainian city of Poltava has claimed the lives of at least 53 people, with 298 others injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The devastating attack, which struck a military institute and a nearby hospital, has been described by Russia as a precision strike aimed at a drone and electronic warfare training center.
The attack on Tuesday hit the 179th joint training center of the Ukrainian army, located in the heart of Poltava, a city with a history of military significance.
The Russian Defense Ministry, in a briefing on Wednesday, claimed that the facility was training Ukrainian communications and electronic warfare specialists, as well as drone operators involved in strikes on Russian territory. The ministry further alleged that foreign instructors were assisting in the training at the center.
The targeted site, the Poltava military communications institute, has roots dating back to the 1960s, when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. It is known for specializing in the training of telecommunications specialists, and has been a critical part of Ukraine’s defense infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.
While the Ukrainian government did not specify how many of the victims were military personnel and how many were civilians, the attack has sparked widespread outrage across the country.
Unconfirmed reports circulated on social media suggested that the strike may have hit an outdoor military ceremony. The reports have fueled anger, with many blaming Ukrainian officials for allegedly allowing the event to proceed despite the looming threat of Russian missile attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted swiftly, condemning the strike and ordering a “full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances.” The president emphasized the importance of understanding what led to the high number of casualties and ensuring accountability.
In the wake of the attack, local hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of injured civilians and soldiers. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to provide medical care, while the Ukrainian military continues to assess the damage inflicted on the targeted training center.
The Russian missile strike on Poltava marks another escalation in the conflict, as both sides continue to engage in a protracted and destructive war.
Ukraine has experienced relentless attacks on its cities and military infrastructure since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Civilian casualties have mounted over the months, and efforts to broker peace remain elusive.
International reactions to the strike have been swift, with Western leaders condemning the attack and reaffirming their support for Ukraine.
European Union officials called the strike on Poltava a “clear violation of international law” and vowed to hold Russia accountable for its actions. The United Nations also expressed concern about the growing number of civilian casualties in Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire.
As the investigation into the Poltava strike unfolds, Ukraine braces for the possibility of further attacks. The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction and human suffering.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members