Zelensky Condemns Russian Missile Attack in Poltava as One of the Deadliest of the War, 41 Killed and 180 Injured

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine says dozens of his citizens were killed on Tuesday in a Russian missile attack on the central Ukrainian city of Poltava, describing it as one of the deadliest strikes of the two-and-a-half-year war.

Zelensky vowed to hold “Russian scum” accountable for the attack on a military education facility and nearby hospital, which killed at least 41 and wounded another 180.

The strike sparked anger on Ukrainian social media after reports said it had targeted an outdoor military ceremony, with many blaming reckless behaviour from officials who allowed the event to take place despite the threat of Russian attacks.

The President said he had ordered a full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances of what happened.

In a post on social media, Zelensky said, “More than 180 people were injured. Unfortunately, there are many dead. As of now, 41 people have been reported dead.

“Two Russian ballistic missiles hit the hospital and an educational institution, partially destroying one of the buildings.