At least 51 killed in Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s Poltava

Two Russian ballistic missiles have struck an educational facility and hospital in central Ukraine’s Poltava city, killing at least 51 people and wounding more than 200 others, Ukrainian authorities say.
The strike appeared to be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began more than 900 days ago on February 24, 2022. There was no immediate confirmation of the attack from Russia.

“One of the buildings of the [Military] Institute of Communications was partially destroyed. People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Poltava is located about 350km (217 miles) southeast of the capital, Kyiv. The city is on the main highway and rail route between Kyiv and Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, which is close to the Russian border.
“All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he had ordered “a full and prompt investigation” into the attack.
He pledged that Russia would “surely pay” for the attack.
“As of 6pm (15:00 GMT), 51 people were killed and over 200 wounded in the attack,” the office of Ukraine’s prosecutor general said.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said Poltava was “experiencing a terrible day”.
The missiles hit shortly after the air raid alert sounded, when many people were on their way to a bomb shelter, the ministry said in the statement.
“Thanks to the coordinated work of rescuers and medics, it was possible to save 25 people, 11 of whom were retrieved from under the rubble. Currently, rescuers continue their work,” it said.
Poltava Governor Filip Pronin announced three days of mourning starting on Wednesday.
“A great tragedy for Poltava region and entire Ukraine,” Pronin wrote on Telegram. “The enemy certainly must answer for all [its] crimes against humanity.”
He said there may be a further 15 people still under the rubble.
Russian military bloggers said the strike targeted an outdoor ceremony.
Ukrainian MP Maria Bezugla, who regularly criticises Ukraine’s military leadership, blamed high-ranking officials for endangering soldiers by allowing such incidents.
“These tragedies keep repeating themselves. When will it stop?” she posted on Telegram.
Zelenskyy repeated his calls for more Western air defences and urged allies to allow their long-range weapons to be used for strikes deeper into Russian territory in order to protect Ukraine.
“We keep telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: air defence systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere.
“Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not some time later. Unfortunately, every day of delay means loss of life.”