According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as of 2:20 p.m., 41 people were killed, and 180 injured.
On Tuesday, September 3, Russia attacked an institute and a hospital in Poltava with ballistic missiles. The attack resulted in numerous casualties and injuries, and rescue operations are ongoing.
This information was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"The Russian aggressor launched a barbaric strike on one of the educational institutions in the city. According to available information, the enemy used two ballistic missiles. The time interval between the alarm and the impact of the deadly missiles was so short that it caught people in the middle of evacuating to the bomb shelter," the report stated.
As a result of the attack, one of the institute's buildings was partially destroyed, leaving many people trapped under the rubble. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, 25 people were saved, including 11 who were pulled out from under the rubble. Rescue operations continue.
Zelenskyy's response to the tragedy
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances surrounding the missile strike on Poltava.
"According to the information available at the moment, there were two ballistic missiles. The strike hit the territory of the educational institution and the nearby hospital. One of the buildings of the Institute of Communication was partially destroyed. People were trapped under the rubble. Many have been rescued," the President stated.
Dozens killed and nearly 200 injured - Zelenskyy
Preliminary information indicates that as of 2:20 p.m., 41 people were killed, and 180 injured. The search and rescue operation is ongoing.
"I received preliminary reports on the Russian strike on Poltava. According to the information available at the moment, there were two ballistic missiles. The strike hit the territory of the educational institution and the nearby hospital. One of the buildings of the Institute of Communication was partially destroyed. People were trapped under the rubble. Many have been rescued. More than 180 people are injured. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. As of now, 41 deaths are known. My condolences to all the relatives and loved ones," Zelenskyy said.
Russia attacked a Military Institute of Communication
The terrorist country launched a missile strike on the Military Institute of Communication. Although the authorities have not officially confirmed this, the educational institution's Facebook page posted a photo of a mourning candle an hour ago (the material was published at 3:00 p.m.).
The Day of Mourning for the Dead was announced in Poltava region
Poltava region has declared three days of mourning due to the deadly Russian missile attack on the regional center.
"A great tragedy for Poltava region and the entire country. The enemy's insidious strike claimed 41 lives. More than 180 people were injured. My sincere condolences to the relatives and loved ones. Starting tomorrow, the region will observe three days of mourning. Eternal memory to all the deceased. The enemy must be held accountable for all crimes against humanity," Head of the Regional Military Administration, Filip Pronin wrote.
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