Russian rockets attack a Ukrainian military institute, killing fifty people

The military institute in Ukraine’s central town of Poltava was struck by two ballistic missiles from Russia on Tuesday, resulting in a tragic incident. The attack claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals and left 271 others wounded, making it the most fatal single assault of the ongoing war this year.

The photographs shared on social media depict multiple deceased young men lying on the ground, their bodies covered in dust and debris. In the background, a significantly damaged side of a large building can be observed. The authenticity of the images could not be immediately verified by Reuters.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on the Telegram messaging app that the Russian individuals responsible for this strike will undoubtedly face consequences.
The user requested a prompt investigation, stating that the strike caused damage to a building belonging to the Military Institute of Communications.

Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, provided an update on the death toll, stating that it had reached 51.

The individual stated that there are individuals trapped beneath the debris of the demolished structure. The utmost effort is being made to preserve the maximum number of lives.

The official report from the emergency service indicates that the number of fatalities is 50. The Poltava Regional Governor, Filip Pronin, has reported that there is a possibility that 15 individuals are still trapped beneath the debris.

The land forces of Ukraine have reported casualties among military personnel. The number of victims from the armed forces was not specified, however, the attack dealt a significant blow to Kyiv’s efforts to strengthen its ranks in order to defend against a more formidable adversary.

The Land Forces Command is currently conducting an investigation to assess the adequacy of measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the soldiers at the facility, as stated in an official statement.

The utilization of ballistic missiles, capable of striking targets several hundred kilometers away within a matter of minutes from their launch, resulted in victims having minimal time to seek shelter after the activation of the air raid siren, as stated by the foreign ministry.

“The occurrence of this event is a devastating tragedy that affects the entire nation of Ukraine.” According to Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, an educational institution and a hospital were targeted by the enemy.

A number of concerned Ukrainians have posted messages on the institute’s Facebook page inquiring about the well-being of their family members and friends.

The defense ministry reported on Telegram that one of the institute’s buildings suffered partial destruction, resulting in several individuals being trapped under the debris.

Through the collaborative efforts of rescuers and medics, a total of 25 individuals were successfully rescued, with 11 of them being extracted from the debris. The rescuers are presently engaged in ongoing efforts to carry out their work.

The Russian government has refrained from providing an immediate response to the attack.

An escalation has been observed in the frequency of missile strikes.

Russia has increased the frequency and intensity of its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that has been ongoing for 2-1/2 years.

Ukraine experienced a significant bombardment last week, which was the most intense to date. On Monday, Kyiv was specifically targeted by ballistic and cruise missiles, resulting in loud explosions.

The country of Ukraine deployed a total of 158 drones in an offensive operation against Russia over the course of the weekend. The targets of these drone attacks included an oil refinery located in close proximity to Moscow, as well as a power station.

The level of conflict has escalated in recent weeks, as Russian military forces have made significant progress in their advance into eastern Ukraine. In response, the Ukrainian armed forces have launched their first major cross-border offensive into Russian territory. Moscow has declared its intention to respond to the intrusion into the Kursk region.

Zelenskiy reiterated the need for increased Western air defenses and urged allies to authorize the utilization of their long-range weapons for conducting strikes in more remote areas within Russian territory.

“It is imperative that air defense systems and missiles be deployed in Ukraine rather than being stored in a warehouse, as we continue to emphasize to individuals worldwide who possess the authority to address this ongoing threat.”

Immediate implementation of long-range strike capabilities is necessary to ensure protection against potential Russian threats. Regrettably, each day of delay results in a loss of life.

The governor of Poltava, located approximately 300 km (186 miles) southeast of Kyiv and 120 km (75 miles) from the nearest Russian border, reported that around 150 residents had volunteered to donate blood for the wounded.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, Dmytro Lazutkin, informed the national television that the institute was conducting classes when the attack occurred. The individual reported that the alarm was activated at 09:08 local time (0608 GMT), which resulted in people quickly moving towards the shelter.

“Following the air alert, the individual reported hearing explosions,” he stated, noting the absence of any ongoing parades during that period.

Russia has previously conducted military strikes on facilities located away from the frontlines, resulting in significant casualties. This recent incident is not the first occurrence of such actions. In May 2022, Russia announced that it successfully targeted a training facility for reserve forces located in the town of Desna. Ukraine reported that this attack resulted in the loss of 87 lives. In March of that year, a total of 35 casualties were reported as a result of a Russian airstrike targeting a military base located in the western region of the country.