KYIV, Sept 3, 2024 — In what has become the deadliest single attack on Ukraine this year, at least 41 people were killed and over 180 wounded on Tuesday when Russian forces targeted a military institute in Poltava with two ballistic missiles. The strike has been described as the most severe of 2024, underscoring the escalating violence in the ongoing conflict.
Highlights:
- The missile strike on Poltava is the most fatal single attack on Ukraine this year, resulting in 41 deaths and over 180 injuries.
- Two ballistic missiles targeted a military institute, causing extensive damage and casualties with little warning for residents.
- Emergency services have successfully rescued 25 individuals from the rubble, with ongoing efforts to find more survivors.
- The attack is part of a broader increase in Russian missile and drone strikes, with Ukraine also ramping up its counterattacks.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskiy is urging the international community to provide immediate air defense and long-range weapons to combat the escalating attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the missile strike on the Military Institute of Communications in the central Ukrainian town of Poltava. The missiles hit the building with devastating force, leading to significant structural damage and casualties. Zelenskiy, in a somber video statement, has demanded a swift and comprehensive investigation into the attack.
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“The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike,” Zelenskiy declared via the Telegram messaging app, reflecting the widespread anger and resolve within Ukraine.
The foreign ministry reported that the type of missiles used in the attack left minimal time for residents to seek cover after the air alert was issued. Social media images, although not independently verified by Reuters, showed bodies covered in dust and debris, with a heavily damaged building in the background. The defense ministry added that one of the institute’s buildings was partially destroyed, with many people trapped under the rubble.
Rescue Efforts and Local Response
Rescue operations have been intense, with emergency services working tirelessly to extract survivors. According to the defense ministry, 25 individuals were rescued from the debris, including 11 who were pulled out alive. The response from local authorities and residents has been notable, with many donating blood and local officials announcing three days of mourning.
Poltava, located about 300 kilometers southeast of Kyiv and 120 kilometers from the nearest Russian border, has seen an outpouring of community support in the wake of the attack. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, adding to the somber atmosphere in the town.
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Impact on the Conflict
The attack on Poltava is part of a broader pattern of intensified missile and drone strikes by Russia, marking a significant escalation in the conflict that began more than two years ago. Last week, Ukraine faced its heaviest bombardment to date, and on Monday, Kyiv was targeted by ballistic and cruise missiles, resulting in loud explosions and damage.
In retaliation, Ukraine has launched substantial drone strikes against Russian targets. Over the weekend, more than 158 Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery near Moscow and a power station, illustrating the growing scale of Ukraine’s counterattacks.
In response to the escalating violence, Zelenskiy has reiterated his calls for increased Western support, specifically for advanced air defense systems and long-range weapons. He stressed the urgency of these needs, stating, “We keep urging the global community to provide us with air defense systems and missiles immediately. Every delay costs lives.”
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Zelenskiy’s plea highlights the critical role that international assistance plays in Ukraine’s defense efforts, as the country faces increasingly sophisticated and relentless attacks from Russia.
The conflict shows no signs of abating. In recent weeks, fighting has intensified in eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces advancing in heavy battles. Concurrently, Kyiv’s troops have launched their first large-scale cross-border assault into a Russian region, provoking a stern response from Moscow.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community continues to watch closely, with many countries weighing their level of support and intervention. The attack on Poltava serves as a stark reminder of the conflict’s human cost and the urgent need for diplomatic and military solutions to address the ongoing violence.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community remains engaged in addressing the humanitarian and strategic challenges posed by the ongoing hostilities.
