Russian strikes kills more than 40 Ukrainians
- Two Russian missiles struck a military academy and hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, killing at least 51 and injuring over 270.
- The attack occurred shortly after air raid sirens were activated, leaving many unable to reach safety.
- President Zelenskyy called for urgent international support to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
On a Tuesday morning, two Russian ballistic missiles targeted the Poltava Military Institute of Communication and a nearby hospital in Ukraine, resulting in at least 51 fatalities and over 270 injuries. This incident marks the deadliest single attack in Ukraine for the year, occurring approximately 100 miles from the Russian border. Eyewitness accounts and Ukrainian officials reported that the missiles struck shortly after air raid sirens were activated, leaving many students and teachers without sufficient time to reach safety. The Poltava Military Institute is crucial for training officers in communications, electronics, and drone operations, highlighting the strategic importance of the facility in the ongoing conflict. The attack underscores the vulnerability of Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly due to a lack of air-defense systems, which has made the nation susceptible to such strikes. In response to the tragedy, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for immediate international assistance, urging global leaders to provide air defense systems and long-range strike capabilities to protect Ukraine from further assaults. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the world must not allow these weapons to remain unused in storage. Following the attack, Zelenskyy initiated an investigation and several government officials, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, resigned in anticipation of a significant Cabinet reshuffle. The incident has intensified calls for enhanced military support for Ukraine as it continues to face ongoing threats from Russian forces.