Zelenskyy says 41 killed, over 180 injured in Russian missile attack in Poltava

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that 41 people were killed and over 180 injured in a Russian missile attack in the city of Poltava.

"I received preliminary reports on the Russian strike on Poltava ... Many people were rescued, but more than 180 were injured. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. As of now, we know that 41 people were killed," Zelenskyy said on X.

Zelenskyy said two ballistic missiles hit an educational institution and a nearby hospital.

He added that a building of the Military Institute of Communications was partially destroyed, and ordered an investigation into the attack.

"All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation," the president said.

"We continue to urge everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage. Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not later. Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lost lives," he added.

Earlier, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said 25 people were saved during search and rescue efforts in Poltava, 11 of whom were removed from under the rubble.

Russian authorities have not yet commented on the attack.