Ukraine is experiencing one of the darkest days of the war after Putin launched a rocket attack on a military training center and hospital, killing more than 40 and wounding 200. Zelensky vows: ‘Russian scum will pay for this’

Ukraine has endured one of its darkest days after two ballistic missiles killed more than 40 people and injured about 200, President Volodymyr Zelensky said today.

The rockets hit a military training center and a nearby hospital in a central area of ​​Ukraine. After the devastating attack, Zelensky vowed that “the Russian scum will pay for this.”

The strike took place in the Poltava region, the president said in a video posted on his Telegram channel.

This appears to be one of the deadliest attacks carried out by Russian forces since the war began more than 900 days ago on February 24, 2022.

There are fears that local informants may have participated in the attack, prompting Zelensky to order an immediate investigation.

Two Russian ballistic missiles hit a military training center and a nearby hospital in a central area of ​​Ukraine

More than 40 people were killed and about 200 injured in the strike.

“Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this attack,” Zelensky said.

‘One of the buildings of the Institute of Communication was partially destroyed.

‘People were trapped under the rubble. Many were rescued.

More than 180 people were injured.

“Unfortunately, there have been many deaths. At this time, there are 41 known deaths,” he said.

Russian broadcasters claimed the costs were significantly higher.

The rockets struck shortly after an air raid siren was sounded as many people were heading for bomb shelters, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said. The ministry described the attack as “barbaric.”

Rescue workers and doctors rescued 25 people, 11 of whom were pulled from the rubble, a Defense Ministry statement said.

Broken bricks were visible inside the closed gates of the facility, which was closed to the media. Pools of blood were visible just outside the facility.

Hours after the rocket hits, a smell of smoke spread through the city.

The roads were littered with shards of glass from broken windows.

According to reports, the Russian Iskander missile attack took place during a deployment at military unit A3990.

The victims are likely to include Ukrainian specialists in radar and radio-electronic warfare.

The attack was aimed at the 128th Brigade. One rocket hit the parade ground and another the mess hall, causing havoc.

Bodies were strewn everywhere as survivors nursed their wounds in shock.

Local sources reported an urgent appeal for blood donors, suggesting heavy casualties in one of the most devastating attacks of the war.

Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, reported on X, formerly Twitter, that 47 people were killed and 206 others injured in the attack.

Zelensky has ordered a full investigation into the incident

People were trapped under rubble in Poltava during a strike at the Institute of Communications

The attack targeted the 128th Brigade, with one rocket hitting the parade ground and another the mess hall, leaving a scene of destruction

Bodies were strewn across the streets as survivors inspected their wounds with shrapnel

Zelensky also paid tribute to those who died in the strike.

“My condolences to all family 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 the impact, helped people who saved lives.’

He reiterated his call on the West – including Britain and the US – to allow him to use long-range missiles to attack military targets in Russia.

“We have told everyone in the world time and again who has the power to stop this terror.

‘Air defense systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere.

‘Long-range strikes that protect against Russian terrorism are needed now, not some time down the road.’

‘Unfortunately, every day of delay is a day of loss of life.

‘Eternal memory of all those who were killed by Russia.’

Russian Telegram channels also reported that the death toll could be above 70.

One channel reported: ‘Simply great work by the intelligence service and Iskander’s team.

“Deserves a medal,” said another.

Poltava Governor Filip Pronin declared three days of mourning, starting on Wednesday.

“A great tragedy for the Poltava region and all of Ukraine,” Mr Pronin wrote on his Telegram page.

“The enemy will undoubtedly have to answer for all its crimes against humanity,” he said.