Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, promised that what the “Russian scum” will be held accountable for the attackas rescue crews continued to work to clear the rubble.
“According to available information, this Russian attack killed 51 people,” Zelensky said. in a speech. “The number of injured is 271. We know that there are people under the rubble of the destroyed building. Everything is being done to save as many lives as possible.”
According to Zelensky, two ballistic missiles hit “a nearby educational institution and hospital.” “One of the buildings of the communications institute was partially destroyed. Several people were in the rubble,” he said on Telegram.
Ukraine: Russia’s attack killed 51 people and injured 271
According to information from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the missiles arrived very soon after the alert. “They surprised people as they were heading to the underground shelter,” he explained. The regional governor, Filip Pronin said that “up to 18 people could be in the rubble.”
The attack took place in Poltava, a city located about 300 km east of kyiv and which had about 300,000 inhabitants before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. “Thanks to the coordinated work of rescuers and doctors, 25 people were rescued.of which 11 were removed from the rubble. Rescuers are continuing their work,” the ministry added.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden condemned the “deplorable attack” against this city and promised to maintain “the supply of air defense systems (to kyiv) and the capabilities they need to protect their country.”
An AFP journalist saw several ambulances heading to the scene of the attack shortly after the bombing. Local media issued appeals to the population to donate blood. Images posted on social media showed a multi-storey building destroyed and rescue teams working among the rubble.
Ukrainian military bloggers claimed for their part that The missiles targeted an official military ceremonyheld outdoors. “Poltava … How could so many people have gathered in such a place? the blogger asked. Sergei Naumovich, followed by more than 135,000 people on Facebook.
The deputy Mariana Bezugla, A member of the Ukrainian parliament’s defence committee, he expressed regret on Telegram that no high-ranking officers had been punished for endangering troops in similar incidents in the past. “Tragedies repeat themselves. Until when?” he asked.
Ukraine orders investigation into Russian attack in Poltava
The Ministry of Defense He said no outdoor ceremony was taking place at the time of the tragedy. The Ukrainian president said he had ordered a “full and prompt investigation” into the circumstances of the Russian attack.
Zelensky also again asked its Western allies to supply it with more anti-aircraft defence systems and allow Ukraine to advance into Russian territory with long-range missiles that have been supplied to it.
The head of British diplomacy, David Lammy, condemned the bombing and called it “disgusting act of aggression”“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s brutality knows no bounds,” lamented her German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock.
The attack coincides with a Zelensky’s government reshuffleof which Several ministers resigned on Tuesday and a presidential adviser was fired“As promised, a major government overhaul can be expected this week. More than 50% of the government will be replaced,” David Arakhamia, parliamentary leader of the ruling party, wrote on Telegram.
The Ukrainian president is seeking to boost confidence in his government after two and a half years of war with Russia, during which he has ordered several executive reforms.
Source: Ambito
