AT LEAST 41 people have been killed and 180 others injured after two Russian ballistic missiles struck an educational facility and hospital in a central region of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said today.

The strike occurred in the city of Poltava, the capital of the region of the same name, officials said.

Poltava is located about 110km (70 miles) from the border with Russia and about 350km south east of Kyiv.

2020 file image of an aerial view of Poltava Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

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

In a video posted on X, Zelenskyy said: “One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed. People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved.

“All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation,” he added.

I received preliminary reports on the Russian strike in Poltava. According to available information, two ballistic missiles hit the area. They targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital, partially destroying one of the telecommunications institute's buildings.… pic.twitter.com/TNppPr1OwF

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 3, 2024

He said he had ordered “a full and prompt investigation” into what happened but 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.