President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announces that a Russian missile strike hit the central town of Poltava, Ukraine September 3, 2024. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE Via REUTERS
Deadliest Attack of the Year: Russia Strikes Military Institute in Poltava, Ukraine
Introduction
On Tuesday, Russia launched a devastating missile attack on a military institute in the central Ukrainian town of Poltava, resulting in significant casualties. The attack, carried out with two ballistic missiles, is regarded as the deadliest single strike in the ongoing conflict this year.
Casualties and Damage
According to official reports, at least 50 individuals were killed, with some sources indicating the death toll may be as high as 51. An additional 271 people were wounded, and it is feared that up to 15 individuals remain trapped under the rubble. The Poltava regional governor, Filip Pronin, confirmed the casualties, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Photographs circulating on social media depict a grim scene, with the bodies of young men lying on the ground amidst dust and debris, and a heavily damaged building in the background. Reuters, however, has not yet been able to verify the authenticity of these images.
Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, vowing accountability for those responsible. “The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike,” Zelenskiy stated on the Telegram messaging app. He ordered a prompt and thorough investigation, noting that the missile strike had damaged a building of the Military Institute of Communications.
Ukraine’s land forces confirmed that military personnel were among the casualties, though they did not specify the exact number of military victims. The attack is considered a significant blow to Ukraine, particularly as it seeks to reinforce its military ranks against a stronger adversary.
Investigation and Rescue Efforts
The Land Forces Command has initiated an investigation to assess whether sufficient measures were taken to protect the lives and health of the soldiers at the facility. The use of ballistic missiles, which can strike targets hundreds of kilometers away within minutes of launch, left the victims with minimal time to seek shelter after the air raid siren sounded.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a “stunning tragedy” for the nation, highlighting the impact on both an educational institution and a hospital. First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed her condolences on social media, underscoring the profound national sorrow.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services reporting that 25 people have been rescued so far, 11 of whom were extracted from the rubble. The coordinated efforts of rescuers and medics are continuing, with the hope of finding more survivors.
Broader Context: Escalation of Missile Strikes
This attack is part of a broader pattern of intensified missile and drone strikes by Russia as the conflict in Ukraine progresses. Last week saw the heaviest bombardment of Ukraine to date, and on Monday, ballistic and cruise missiles targeted Kyiv, causing significant explosions.
In response to the increasing threat, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has reiterated calls for additional Western air defense systems and long-range weapons. He emphasized the urgency of these requests, stating, “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.”
Local Response and Mourning
In Poltava, which is located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Kyiv and 120 kilometers from the Russian border, the local community has rallied to support the wounded. Around 150 residents have donated blood, and local authorities have announced three days of mourning in honor of the victims.
Defence Ministry spokesman Dmytro Lazutkin provided additional details, noting that classes were in session at the institute when the attack occurred. The alarm sounded at 09:08 local time, prompting individuals to seek shelter, but the missiles struck just minutes later, leaving little time for adequate protection.
Historical Context of Similar Strikes
This is not the first instance of Russian strikes on military facilities located away from the frontlines resulting in mass casualties. In May 2022, Russia claimed responsibility for a strike on a training ground for reserve forces in Desna, resulting in 87 fatalities, according to Ukrainian sources. In March of the same year, 35 individuals were killed in a Russian strike on a military base in western Ukraine.
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