Zelenskyy: 41 Dead and 180 Injured in Russian Attack in Ukrainian Poltava

In one of the most devastating Russian attacks since the beginning of the war, at least 41 people were killed and over 180 others injured in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The attack targeted the military training center in the city, and two rockets hit an educational institution and a nearby hospital. The rescue operation is still ongoing, with several people being pulled out from the rubble.

There has been criticism of the Ukrainian military leadership, accusing them of allowing such gatherings despite the risk of Russian attacks. Zelenskyy has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the attack and called for accountability from Russia.

He has also urged Western allies to quickly provide Ukraine with new air defense systems and allow the use of long-range weapons to attack Russian territory. This attack in Poltava comes just days after a Ukrainian fighter jet crashed, leading to the dismissal of the air force chief.

The incident has been a major setback for Ukraine, which had been pushing for the delivery of modern fighter jets from the West.