3 weeks ago
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A Russian missile strike in the eastern Ukrainian city of Poltava on Tuesday killed at least 41 people and injured another 180, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, in the latest in a series of devastating strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Two ballistic missiles hit an educational institution in the city, Mr. Zelensky said, as well as a neighboring hospital, trapping people under the rubble. A search and rescue operation was underway.
“My condolences to all the families and friends,” Mr. Zelensky said in a video address. “I am grateful to each and every person who has been helping the people who are saving lives since the first minutes after the hit.”
Ukraine’s defense ministry reported that the time gap between the sounding of warning sirens and the strike was so short that many people were killed on their way to shelter. Many people in Poltava have already queued up to give the blood to help the injured, local government reports.
Last week, Russia struck cites across Ukraine with waves of missile and drone attacks, including more than 200 on Aug. 27.
Ukrainian media outlets reported that those who died were cadets of the Communications Institute, lined up for an event. “I have ordered a full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances of what happened,” Mr. Zelensky said.
Nataliia Novosolova contributed reporting.
