Ukraine has suffered one of its darkest days after two ballistic missiles killed at least 51 people and injured 219, President Volodymyr Zelensky said today.
The missiles hit a military training centre and a nearby hospital in a central region of Ukraine with Zelensky vowing 'Russian scum will pay for this' following the devastating attack.
The strike occurred in the Poltava region, the president said in a video posted on his Telegram channel.
It appeared to be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began more than 900 days ago on February 24, 2022.
There are fears the attack was aided by local informants and Zelensky ordered an immediate investigation.
Unconfirmed reports suggested Swedish instructors were among the dead at the Military Institute of Communications at Poltava in central Ukraine. The centre, founded in the 1960s, specialised in telecommunications. It is understood the Swedes were training troops to operate the latest ASC 890 airborne early warning aircraft.
Two Russian ballistic missiles hit a military training centre and a nearby hospital in a central region of Ukraine
Over 40 people were killed and around 200 were left injured in the strike
'The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this attack,' said Zelensky.
'One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed.
'People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved.
'More than 180 people were injured.
'Unfortunately, many died. As of this time, 41 people are known to have died,' he said.
Russian channels claimed the toll was significantly higher.
The missiles hit shortly after an air-raid alert sounded, when many people were on their way to a bomb shelter, Ukraine's Defence Ministry said, describing the strike as 'barbaric'.
Rescue crews and medics saved 25 people, including 11 who were dug out of the rubble, a Defence Ministry statement said.
Shattered bricks were visible inside the closed gates of the institution, which was off-limits to the media, and pools of blood could be seen just outside.
Hours after the missile strikes, the smell of smoke had spread through town.
Roads were covered in glass shards from smashed windows.
The Russian Iskander missile strike came during a line-up at military unit A3990, according to reports.
The victims likely include Ukrainian Radar and Radio Electronic Warfare specialists.
The strike targeted the 128th Brigade, with one missile impacting the parade ground and another the canteen, leaving a scene of devastation.
Bodies were seen strewn around the carnage, as shell-shocked survivors nursed their wounds.
Local sources reported an urgent call for blood donors, indicating high casualty numbers in one of the most devastating strikes of the war.
Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, said on X, formerly Twitter, that the attack killed 47 people and wounded 206 others.
Zelensky has ordered a full investigation into the incident
People were trapped under the rubble in Poltava in a strike on the Institute of Communications
The strike targeted the 128th Brigade, with one missile impacting the parade ground and another the canteen, leaving a scene of devastation
Bodies were seen strewn around the streets, as shell-shocked survivors inspected their wounds
Zelensky also paid tribute to those that lost their lives in the strike.
'My condolences to all relatives and friends,' he said.
'I have ordered a full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances of what happened.
'All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation.
'I am grateful to everyone who, from the first minutes after being hit, helps people who save lives.'
He repeated his call for the West - including Britain and the US - to allow him to use long range missiles to strike at military targets inside Russia.
'We have been telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror over and over again.
'Air defence systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere.
'Long-range strikes that can defend against Russian terror are needed now, not sometime later.
'Unfortunately, every day of delay is a day of loss of life.
'Eternal memory to all those whose lives have been taken by Russia.'
Gloating Russian Telegram channels also claimed the death toll may be over 70.
One channel said: 'Simply fine work by the intelligence and Iskander's crew.
'Deserves medals,' said another.
Poltava governor Filip Pronin announced three days of mourning starting on Wednesday.
'A great tragedy for Poltava region and entire Ukraine,' Mr Pronin wrote on his Telegram page.
'The enemy certainly must answer for all (its) crimes against humanity,' he said.
