Russian troops attack Poltava military school with ballistics, killing 47, injuring 206
On Tuesday, September 3, Russian invaders launched a barbaric attack on a school in the city of Poltava. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the ballistic missile strike carried out by Russian troops and stated that it resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals.
The press service of the Ministry of Defense reports this
"According to available information, the enemy used two ballistic missiles. The time between the air raid siren and the missiles' strike was so brief that people were caught in the process of evacuating to the bomb shelter," the report reads.
The Ministry of Education and Culture reports that one of the institute's buildings was partially destroyed, and multiple individuals were trapped under the rubble.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of rescuers and medics, 25 people were successfully saved, including 11 who were rescued from under the debris.
The report does not specify the number of casualties.
It has been mentioned that rescue efforts are still ongoing.
"We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy is yet another evidence of the insidiousness of the enemy, who does not stop at any crimes, trying to intimidate Ukrainians.
We urge everyone to remain calm and trust only official sources of information. Any speculation on this tragedy is unacceptable," the Ministry of Defense's press service emphasizes.
Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the Russian military's ballistic missile strike on Poltava and announced that 41 individuals had lost their lives thus far.
"Received preliminary reports on the Russian attack on Poltava. According to the information currently available, two ballistic missiles. Hits on the territory of an educational institution and a nearby hospital. One of the buildings of the Institute of Communication was partially destroyed. People were buried under the rubble. Many were rescued. More than 180 people were injured. Unfortunately, there are many fatalities. As of this time, 41 people are known to have died. My condolences to all relatives and friends," the head of state said.
The president announced that he had ordered a full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances of what happened.
"All the necessary services are involved in the rescue operation. I am grateful to everyone who, from the first minutes after the strike, helped people and saved lives," Zelensky stressed.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, has reported that emergency services are currently on site responding to an enemy attack on an educational institution in Poltava. Firefighters have successfully contained the fire and are now working to clear the debris. All injured individuals have been transported to receive medical treatment.
According to Klymenko, there is a residential area near the site of impact where the shock wave shattered windows and damaged the facades of tall buildings. Presently, the police are conducting a door-to-door search to check for any potential casualties. Hundreds of reports of property damage have already been filed.
"The work is ongoing. Considering the safety component, the rescue services will work until we are sure that everyone has been unblocked from under the rubble," Klymenko wrote.
Before the formal confirmation, the Department of Social Protection for the Poltava Regional State Administration swiftly contacted the Poltava Blood Transfusion Station to request voluntary blood donations from individuals of all blood types. The head of the Poltava region, Filip Pronin, said that many Poltava residents donate blood to help the wounded. As of now, everything is necessary for transfusion of blood components. One can become a donor any day of the week.