At least 41 people have died after two Russian ballistic missiles struck an educational facility and nearby hospital in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
The strike occurred in the Poltava region and injured at least 180 people, Mr Zelensky said in a video posted on his Telegram channel on Tuesday.
The strike 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.
Tragedy in Poltava
— Maria Drutska 🇺🇦 (@maria_drutska) September 3, 2024
41 were killed, more than 180 are injured. The Russians struck an educational institution and nearby hospital with two ballistic missiles.
The attack happened just as people were evacuating to the bomb shelter. pic.twitter.com/qpemzhEjjy
"One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed. People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved," Mr Zelensky said.
"All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation," he added.
He said he had ordered "a full and prompt investigation" into what happened. Mr Zelensky did not provide any further details.
The missiles hit shortly after the 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, 11 of them dug out from the rubble, a Defence Ministry statement said.
Poltava is the name of a region and its capital city.
Poltava is located about 110km (70 miles) from the border with Russia and about 350km (200 miles) south east of Kyiv.
