The UK and Germany have issued strong condemnations following a deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Poltava, which resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people. The attack, one of the deadliest since the war began two-and-a-half years ago, targeted a military education facility and a nearby hospital, according to Ukrainian authorities.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the attack as a “sickening act of aggression” in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Russia’s strikes on Poltava are the latest sickening act of aggression in Putin’s abhorrent and illegal war in Ukraine,” Lammy stated, adding, “My thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones. We stand with Ukraine.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed this sentiment, calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be held accountable for the deaths. “He must be held accountable,” Baerbock posted on X.
Ukrainian officials are investigating the circumstances of the strike, which triggered anger on Ukrainian social media after unconfirmed reports suggested it targeted an outdoor military ceremony. Many voiced criticism of officials who allowed the event to proceed despite the ongoing threat of Russian attacks. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a “full and prompt investigation into all the circumstances.”
Zelenskyy confirmed that two Russian ballistic missiles hit the hospital and educational institution, partially destroying one of the buildings. He vowed to hold what he called “Russian scum” accountable.
The strike occurred in the morning in Poltava, a city with a pre-war population of around 300,000 people, located approximately 300 kilometers (189 miles) east of Kyiv. Rescuers are working to clear the rubble, and the death toll is expected to rise as the search and rescue efforts continue.
