Russia launched its largest and deadliest missile attack against Ukraine on Tuesday, killing at least 41 people and wounding at least 180.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the missile attack targeted the Ukrainian city of Poltava, about 70 miles from the Russian border.
“One of the buildings of the communications institute has been partially destroyed. People are buried under the rubble but many have been rescued,” Zelenskyy said in a video posted on social media.
“All necessary services are being deployed to the rescue operation,” he said, adding that he had ordered a “thorough and immediate investigation” into what had happened.
Dogs of War: Britain's new robots help Ukraine and terrorize Russia while drones continue to dominate the battlefield
Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskiy said he had ordered an investigation into Tuesday's attack. (East/West)
Ukraine's defence ministry said the Russian missiles hit the city just after air raid sirens sounded, as many people were heading for bomb shelters, and described the attack as “barbaric”.
Ukraine seeks U.S. permission to attack long-range Russian targets
Ukrainian authorities said rescue and medical teams had rescued 25 people, 11 of whom were pulled from the rubble.
Following the Russian missile attack, President Zelensky called on Western countries to quickly provide more military aid. (Photo by Jan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
President Zelensky used the opportunity to call on Western allies for immediate military assistance.
“Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not in storage,” Zelensky wrote on social media.
“Long-range strikes to protect us from Russian terrorism are needed now, not later. Unfortunately, every day of delay means more lives will be lost,” he added.
The attack came as Ukrainian forces advanced into Kursk, their first foray into Russian territory since the start of the war, and Ukrainian forces have been fighting in the area for weeks.
Putin supports Maduro government amid ongoing protests over fraudulent election results
This screenshot taken from a distribution video released on August 20, 2024, shows Ukrainian troops fighting during a military operation in the Kursk region of Malaya Loknya, Kursk Oblast, Russia. (Airborne Brigade/Distributed via Reuters)
Click here to get the FOX News app
According to East2West, Ukraine has targeted bridges and crossings over the Seym River in Kursk over the past month in an attempt to disrupt Russian resupply capabilities in the region as it continues to assert its claim over the area.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
