41 Killed, Over 180 Injured In Ukraine’s Poltava After Russia Launches Ballistic Missiles

Moscow: Russian forces on Tuesday launched two ballistic missiles at Poltava, central Ukraine, killing at least 41 people and injuring more than 180, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The missiles struck an educational institution and a nearby medical facility, partially destroying the Military Institute of Communications.

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry reported that the short warning time between the air raid alert and the missile impact left many people vulnerable during their evacuation to bomb shelters. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services having saved 25 individuals, including 11 pulled from the rubble by around 2 PM local time.

President Zelensky has ordered an operational investigation into the attack. The Defence Ministry expressed condolences to the victims’ families and condemned the attack as further evidence of Russian aggression aimed at terrorising Ukrainians. They urged the public to stay calm and rely only on official information, warning against speculation about the tragedy.