Russian missile strike on Ukrainian military college leaves 41 dead

September 3, 2024

Ryan Robertson, Anchor

Full story

At least 41 people were killed and over 180 wounded on Tuesday, Sept. 3, after Russian forces launched a missile attack on a military training facility and a nearby hospital in the city of Poltava, Ukrainian officials said. The strike, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned as “barbaric,” is the deadliest single attack in Ukraine so far this year.

The Russian assault targeted the Poltava Military Institute of Communications, where the missiles caused significant damage, partially destroying one of its buildings. Rescue teams responded quickly, successfully pulling 25 people from the rubble, authorities said.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that the time between the air raid sirens and the missile strike was so brief that many people were caught trying to reach bomb shelters. The attack left debris scattered across the area, and ongoing rescue operations were launched to find survivors.

Zelenskyy ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. He reiterated his calls for Western allies to provide Ukraine with more advanced air defense systems and long-range strike capabilities to counter Russia’s ongoing aggression.

The strike on Poltava comes amid a significant escalation in the conflict, with Russian forces intensifying their missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. Just last week, Ukraine endured one of its heaviest bombardments to date, and on Monday, ballistic and cruise missiles targeted the capital, Kyiv.

In response, Ukraine has increased its own offensive operations, targeting Russian infrastructure with over 158 drones in recent days. These attacks have damaged an oil refinery near Moscow and a power station as part of Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russia’s military and economic capabilities.

Local authorities in Poltava have declared three days of mourning in honor of the victims. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy continues to press Ukraine’s allies to lift restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons for strikes deeper into Russian territory, arguing that every day of delay results in more lives lost.