At least 41 people have been killed in a Russian strike in a central region of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
About 180 have been injured, the Ukrainian president added, after two Russian ballistic missiles struck an educational facility and nearby hospital in the Poltava region.
The Ukrainian president said on Telegram: “One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed.
“People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved.”
He added “all necessary services are involved in the rescue operation” and ordered “a full and prompt investigation” into the strike.
Zelenksyy did not provide any further details, but continued to say that “the Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike” before repeating calls for more weapons from the West.
“We keep telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: air defence systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere,” he said.
“Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not some time later. Unfortunately, every day of delay means loss of life.”
Calling the strike “barbaric,” Ukraine’s defence ministry said the Russian missiles hit shortly after the air raid alert sounded as many people were on their way to a bomb shelter.
They added in a statement that rescue crews and medics saved 25 people, with 11 of those dug out from under rubble.
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