41 Killed, 180 Injured In Central Ukraine After Russia Fires 2 Ballistic Missiles, Claims Zelenskyy

New Delhi: At least 41 people were killed and around 180 wounded after two Russian ballistic missiles struck an educational facility and a nearby hospital in a central region of Ukraine, Associated Press quoted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as saying on Tuesday.

The fresh strikes by Russia targeted Ukraine’s central Poltava region and are said to be one of the deadliest attacks by Moscow since its conflict with Kyiv erupted on February 24, 2022.

“One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed. People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved,” AP quoted Zelenskyy as saying on his Telegram channel.

All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation,” the Ukrainian President said. Zelenskyy also ordered a comprehensive and swift investigation into the incident, though he did not provide further details at the time.

According to reports, the missiles struck moments after the air raid sirens blared, catching many civilians as they made their way to bomb shelters. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry condemned the attack, calling it a “barbaric” act, India Today reported.

A Defence Ministry statement revealed that rescue teams and medics saved 25 people, including 11 who were pulled from the rubble after the strikes. More people are feared trapped under the rubble.