A devastating missile attack on a military university and hospital in Ukraine has resulted in 49 deaths and over 200 injuries, marking one of the deadliest single assaults by Russian forces since the invasion resumed.
According to Breitbart News, the strike occurred on September 3, 2024, targeting the Poltava Military Institute of Communications and a nearby medical facility.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, confirming that ballistic missiles hit educational buildings at the military institute and a hospital.
The attack partially destroyed one university building, trapping people in the rubble. Initially, 41 deaths were reported, but the toll later rose to 49, with 219 individuals wounded.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence reported that two Russian ballistic missiles struck Poltava, leaving minimal time between detection and impact. Many victims were caught in the open as they rushed to seek shelter, highlighting the swift and devastating nature of the attack.
The strike's impact extended beyond the immediate targets, shattering windows in hundreds of nearby residential buildings. The exact timing of the attack remains unconfirmed, adding to the confusion and distress among local residents.
Ukrainian authorities have denied claims circulating on social media that the strike occurred during a military parade. The Defence Ministry clarified that regular teaching activities were in progress at the institution when the missiles hit.
President Zelensky responded to the attack by urgently requesting additional air defense systems from Ukraine's Western allies.
He emphasized the critical need for such support, stating:
Once again, we urge 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.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, calling for decisive action from the international community. In a statement, the ministry declared:
What Russia is doing in Ukraine is pure evil and terror, driven by the objective to eliminate, kill, and ruin. This crime, like others, demands a strong response from the global community. Not just with statements but with decisions and actions that can push this evil back.
This attack comes at a critical juncture in Ukraine's defensive war against Russia. While Ukraine has recently launched a counter-invasion into Russian territory, boosting morale, Russia has simultaneously made significant territorial gains within Ukraine itself.
Recent analysis indicates that Russia gained 184 square miles of Ukrainian territory in August alone, marking its largest monthly advance since October 2022. In total, Russia now controls approximately 25,000 square miles of Ukraine, while Ukraine holds about 500 square miles of Russian territory.
The missile strike on Poltava, one of the deadliest attacks of the year, underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its territory and citizens. As the war continues, the need for international support and enhanced defensive capabilities remains crucial for Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression and protect its population.
