Ukraine has suffered one of its darkest days after two ballistic missiles killed more than 40 people and injured around 200, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The missiles hit an educational facility and a nearby hospital in a central region of Ukraine with Zelensky vowing ‘Russian scum will pay for this’ following the devastating attack.
The strike occurred in the Poltava region, the president said in a video posted on his Telegram channel.
It appeared to be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began more than 900 days ago on February 24, 2022.
‘One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed. People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved,’ Zelensky said.
‘All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation,’ he added. He said he had ordered ‘a full and prompt investigation’ into what happened. Zelensky didn’t provide any further details.
Russian channels claimed the toll was significantly higher.
People were trapped under the rubble in Poltava in a strike on the Institute of Communications which also hit a nearby hospital.
The Russian Iskander missile strike came during a line-up at military unit A3990, according to reports.
The victims likely include Ukrainian Radar and Radio Electronic Warfare specialists.
The strike targeted the 128th Brigade, with one missile impacting the parade ground and another the canteen, leaving a scene of devastation.
Bodies were seen strewn around the carnage, as shellshocked survivors nursed their wounds.
Local sources reported an urgent call for blood donors, indicating high casualty numbers in one of the most devastating strikes of the war.
There are fears the attack was aided by local informants and Zelensky ordered an immediate investigation.
‘The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this attack,’ said Zelensky.
‘One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed.
‘People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved.
‘More than 180 people were injured.
‘Unfortunately, many died. As of this time, 41 people are known to have died.
‘My condolences to all relatives and friends.
‘I have ordered a full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances of what happened.
‘All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation.
‘ I am grateful to everyone who, from the first minutes after being hit, helps people who save lives.’
He repeated his call for the West – including Britain and the US – to allow him to use long range missiles to strike at military targets inside Russia.
‘We have been telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror over and over again.
‘Air defence systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere.
‘Long-range strikes that can defend against Russian terror are needed now, not sometime later.
‘Unfortunately, every day of delay is a day of loss of life.
‘Eternal memory to all those whose lives have been taken by Russia.’
Gloating Russian Telegram channels claimed the death toll may be over 70.
One channel said: ‘Simply fine work by the intelligence and Iskander’s crew.
‘Deserves medals.’