Poltava, Ukraine - Two Russian missile attacks hit a military training facility and a hospital in Poltava, causing the deaths of at least 51 individuals and injuring over 200 in a tragic attack on Tuesday. Ukrainian authorities have verified the event, categorizing it as one of the most lethal Russian missile attacks since the conflict started more than 900 days ago.

Situated around 200 miles to the southeast of Kyiv, Poltava is a vital crossroads on the primary highway and rail connection linking the Ukrainian capital to Kharkiv, the second-largest city in the country located near the Russian border. The attack on this important city highlights the continued severity of the conflict.

By 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office stated that 51 individuals had died, while more than 200 others were injured. The missiles struck soon after a warning was given, catching many people on their way to seek shelter from the air raid.

Tragic Consequences of Russian Missile Attack: Damage to Poltava Military Institute and Hospital

In a video shared on his Telegram channel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed the consequences of the attack. Part of the Poltava Military Institute of Communications building was damaged. Individuals were discovered trapped beneath the debris. "He highlighted the continuing rescue operations in which numerous people were rescued," he declared. Zelenskyy additionally instructed for a thorough and swift investigation into the incident without offering more information.

Russian missile attack
Image Source: The World Economic Forum

The attack, labeled as "barbaric" by Ukraine's Defense Ministry, has quickly drawn criticism from the global community. The White House criticized the assault as another display of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "cruelty towards the citizens of Ukraine." John Kirby, the National Security Communication Advisor at the White House, stressed the importance of enhancing Kyiv's air defense.

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