Kyiv: At least 51 individuals lost their lives and over 200 were injured in a Russian missile assault on a military educational centre in central Ukraine, marking one of the most lethal attacks since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a post on platform X, stating that he was informed of a Russian strike in Poltava targeting an educational institution and an adjacent hospital, which partially destroyed a building of the telecommunications institute. He stated, “I have received initial reports of the Russian strike in Poltava. The information available indicates that two ballistic missiles struck the area.”

Zelenskyy further declared, “We repeatedly urge everyone in the world who can halt this terror: Ukraine needs air defence systems and missiles, not stored away in a warehouse.”

Filip Pronin, the head of the Poltava regional military administration, reported the latest death toll on Telegram, noting that rescue teams are still clearing debris and searching the site. Pronin mentioned that up to 18 additional individuals might still be trapped under the rubble.

He also reported that at least ten residential buildings at the military educational facility were damaged.

While Moscow has not stated the attack, the Russian military blogger Vladimir Rogov had earlier reported on Tuesday that Russia had targeted a military school in Poltava.

With deep sympathy, Zelenskyy remarked, “Individuals were caught under the debris.” The Ukrainian President has called for a thorough investigation and expressed gratitude to those assisting in the aftermath of the Russian strike. He ordered, “A complete and immediate investigation into all circumstances of the incident is underway. All necessary agencies are participating in the rescue efforts. My thanks go to everyone who has been assisting and saving lives from the first moments following the strike.”