Poltava, Ukraine – At least 51 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a devastating missile attack by Russia on the city of Poltava, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the attack, which targeted a military communications institute and a nearby hospital, as a deliberate and brutal attack. The tragic incident has renewed calls for better air defence systems in Ukraine and has drawn international condemnation.
Attack
The missile attack occurred in the early morning, catching many people by surprise. At around 09:08 local time, the air raid alarm was activated, but the warning period was tragically short. According to reports, people had less than two minutes to take shelter before the missiles reached their targets. The brief warning time left many people, especially those living in high-rise buildings, with little chance to reach a safe place.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has confirmed that the casualties included military personnel. The Poltava Military Communications Institute, which was training at the time, and a nearby hospital were directly hit by missiles. The attack caused significant damage, with several nearby buildings heavily damaged.
Reactions and responses
Following the attack, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy vowed retribution against those responsible. He condemned the attack as the act of “Russian scoundrels” and reiterated his call for enhanced air defenses to protect Ukraine from such attacks. Zelenskyy’s comments reflect growing frustration and despair among Ukrainian leaders as they grapple with the ongoing conflict and its devastating effects on civilian and military infrastructure.
The attack has also prompted a strong reaction from local residents. Poltava resident Olena Serdyuk recalled the fear and chaos of the missile attack. “The air raid warning started in just a minute, and then there were two explosions,” she said. Serdyuk, along with other residents, found themselves without adequate shelter, which highlighted a critical issue in the city’s preparedness for such attacks.
Poltava’s regional governor, Filip Pronin, described the attack as “cunning and reprehensible”. He reported that search and rescue operations were ongoing, with teams working to locate and assist people trapped under the rubble. According to Pronin, ten residential buildings were damaged, adding to the devastation.
International condemnation and support
The international community has condemned the attack, with leaders from various countries expressing solidarity with Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the attack as a “despicable act of aggression” and criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in the ongoing conflict. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also reiterated this sentiment and condemned Putin’s “unlimited brutality”.
The attack also came against the backdrop of a significant diplomatic development. When the attack in Poltava took place, Russian President Vladimir Putin was in Mongolia for an official visit. This is his first visit to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member country since the arrest warrant was issued, adding a layer of diplomatic complexity to the situation. Ukraine had urged Mongolia to comply with the ICC warrant and detain Putin, highlighting the wider international implications of the conflict.
Calls for improved air defence
The tragic events in Poltava underscore the urgent need for improved air defence capabilities. Ukraine’s Defence Ministry has announced that additional measures will be implemented to enhance security at military facilities and protect civilian areas. However, there is growing pressure on the international community to provide Ukraine with more advanced defence systems to help it better protect itself from air attacks.
MP Oleksiy Goncharenko’s comments on inadequate warning times resonate with many Ukrainians who feel more vulnerable to such attacks. The two-minute warning period is considered insufficient for effective evacuation or sheltering, further emphasising the need for strong defence mechanisms.
Ongoing investigations and support
Following the attack, Ukraine’s military and government officials are conducting investigations to assess the effectiveness of current defence measures and identify potential improvements. The goal is to ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future and that the country is better equipped to deal with missile threats.
The support of the international community is crucial in this regard. Continued assistance and cooperation from allies can play a vital role in enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities. As the conflict continues, the need for international solidarity and support becomes even more evident.