In one of the deadliest missile strikes since the war began, Russian forces launched a devastating attack on a military academy in the Ukrainian city of Poltava. The airstrike, which occurred early Tuesday morning, claimed the lives of at least 51 people and left over 270 others injured, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strike also hit a nearby hospital, further compounding the casualties as rescue operations continue amidst the rubble.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed that two Russian ballistic missiles targeted the academy, which housed both soldiers and civilians. The attack unfolded quickly, with many victims caught in the open as they scrambled for bomb shelters after air raid alarms were triggered. According to Ukraine's Interior Ministry, the situation remains fluid as search teams work around the clock, with officials fearing that up to 18 more people could still be trapped under the debris.
In the night, the ancient city of Lviv got hit by russian missiles. 70 km (43 miles) from NATO border. NATO didn’t even try to give Lviv cover. There’s something seriously wrong with that. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/aOqzTrKoW4
— olexander scherba🇺🇦 (@olex_scherba) September 4, 2024
This tragic incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described it as a “barbaric” act of terror against civilians. Zelenskyy, addressing the nation in a social media post, vowed that Russia would be held accountable for the attack. "The Russian scum will surely pay for this strike," he declared, reiterating the need for stronger international support, particularly long-range defense systems to prevent further such assaults.
The attack comes at a time of increased Russian airstrikes, as Moscow ramps up its military operations in several parts of Ukraine. Over the past few weeks, Russia has launched a series of missile and drone attacks targeting key infrastructure and military installations. Poltava, located in central Ukraine, had previously avoided the worst of the war’s destruction. However, recent developments suggest that Russia is expanding its range of targets as part of its broader offensive against Ukraine's military capabilities.
As Russian missiles rain all over Ukraine this morning, remember WHY it's happening.
Naive Americans believed Putin and convinced Ukraine to disarm.
As a senator, in 2005, Obama actually went to Ukraine for photo-ops overseeing the destruction of its vast weapons caches. pic.twitter.com/cFILupGqqx
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) January 8, 2024
International leaders have widely condemned the strike, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell calling it a clear violation of international law. "Intentional attacks against civilians are war crimes," Borrell stated at a European summit, emphasizing that Russia’s leaders, commanders, and perpetrators of such acts would face justice. The attack also prompted renewed calls from the Ukrainian government for more air defense systems to protect its cities and military personnel.
In response to the assault, Ukrainian forces have intensified their efforts to bolster defenses, but many of their requests for additional weapons, including long-range missile systems and drones, remain unanswered.
President Zelenskyy, in talks with global leaders including Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pressed for immediate aid to prevent further loss of life and protect critical infrastructure from future Russian missile barrages.
This latest escalation in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine highlights the war’s enduring brutality, with both sides suffering significant military losses. According to international estimates, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have lost tens of thousands of soldiers since the conflict began in February 2022. The UN has also reported that civilian casualties in Ukraine have spiked over the past few months, making July 2024 the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022.
