Russian strikes on Ukrainian military center, hospital kill 51
At least 51 people were killed and 219 injured in Russian strikes on a military training center and a hospital in Poltava, central-eastern Ukraine. The Poltava Military Institute of Communications was the primary target of two Russian missiles, reports said. This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks since Russia initiated war against Ukraine in 2022. The initial death toll reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was lower, with 41 fatalities and over 180 injuries.
Aftermath of the deadly strikes in Poltava
The Associated Press reported horrific scenes at the Poltava Institute of Communications, with shattered bricks and pools of blood visible from outside the facility. Hours after the attack, smoke permeated Poltava and roads were littered with glass shards from broken windows. The Defense Ministry confirmed that 25 people were evacuated from the attack site, including 11 who were rescued from rubble.
Zelenskyy renews plea for military aid following attacks
Amid this, President Zelenskyy reiterated his call for international partners to supply more air defense systems and long-range missiles. He has been specifically urging the United States to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russia, mirroring Russia's strikes across Ukraine. However, the US has so far only permitted defensive usage of its equipment and very limited usage inside Russia's border regions.
Zelenskyy's urgent appeal for military support on X
On X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy said, "We continue to urge everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage." He emphasized that long-range strikes capable of protecting Ukraine from Russian terror are needed immediately. "Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lost lives," he added.
