Nearly 50 Dead, Hundreds Injured in Russian Missile Attacks on Ukraine

On September 3, a devastating missile strike by Russian military forces in the city of Poltava, east-central Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of dozens and left hundreds injured, according to government officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the preliminary report indicating that two ballistic missiles targeted Poltava, striking both an educational institution and a nearby hospital. The attack partially destroyed one of the buildings associated with a telecommunications institute.

Poltava Governor Filip Pronon reported that the missile strikes resulted in at least 49 fatalities and injured 219 individuals. The Ukrainian defense ministry revealed that the assault caught many people off-guard as they attempted to evacuate the area.

“We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy underscores the enemy’s ruthless tactics, which stop at nothing in an attempt to instill fear in the hearts of Ukrainians,” remarked the defense ministry, labeling the incident as a “barbaric attack.” Officials urged citizens to stay calm and only rely on official news sources.

Emergency personnel managed to rescue 25 individuals, with 11 of them being trapped under debris. The response teams worked diligently to assist those affected.

Zelensky announced that “all necessary services” had been mobilized to aid in the rescue efforts. He ordered a thorough and immediate investigation into the events surrounding the attack, emphasizing the need to understand all circumstances involved.

The Ukrainian leader extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims from the missile strikes that hit the city of Poltava, which has a population of around 300,000. Situated in Poltava Oblast, the city is located approximately 75 miles from the Russian border, making it a frequent target in the ongoing warfare involving Russian missile and drone strikes.

Zelensky did not mince words, stating, “The Russian scum will surely pay for this strike.” His comments reflect a growing frustration with the ongoing aggression faced by Ukraine.

This missile attack followed another airstrike on September 1, where Russian forces also targeted the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, injuring over 40 individuals, including five children.

The missile attacks came at a time when the Russian military claimed to have intercepted and destroyed all 158 Ukrainian drones that were aimed at strikes on Russian territory.

Amid the rising violence, Zelensky appealed to world leaders, urging immediate action to “stop this terror.” He expressed the urgency for an influx of weaponry, stating, “Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage.” He stressed that such resources are essential to protect Ukraine “from Russian terror.”

Every moment of delay, he warned, translates into more lost lives. “Eternal memory to all those whose lives were taken by Russia,” he said, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict.