Western Reader
An attack on a military academy in Poltava, Ukraine, carried out by Russian forces, has resulted in a tragic loss of at least 51 lives and left more than 270 people injured. The strike, which occurred early on a Tuesday morning, also impacted a nearby hospital, exacerbating the casualties as rescue efforts are underway amidst the debris left behind.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, two Russian ballistic missiles targeted the academy, which housed both military personnel and civilians. The sudden attack led to many individuals being exposed in the open as they sought shelter following air raid sirens. Ukrainian officials are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, with concerns that up to 18 individuals might still be trapped beneath the rubble.
In the night, the ancient city of Lviv got hit by Russian missiles. 70 km (43 miles) from the NATO border. NATO didn’t even try to provide cover to Lviv. There’s something seriously wrong with that. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/aOqzTrKoW4
— olexander scherba🇺🇦 (@olex_scherba) September 4, 2024
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, strongly condemned the attack, labeling it as a “barbaric” act of terror against civilians. In a social media post addressing the nation, Zelenskyy pledged that Russia would be held responsible for the assault, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced international support, including long-range defense systems to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The recent escalation of Russian airstrikes in different parts of Ukraine has raised concerns, with numerous missile and drone attacks targeting vital infrastructure and military installations. Despite Poltava having previously avoided significant wartime damage, recent events indicate that Russia is broadening its target scope as part of a larger offensive strategy against Ukrainian military assets.
As Russian missiles rain all over Ukraine this morning, remember WHY it’s happening.
Naive Americans believed Putin and convinced Ukraine to disarm.
As a senator, in 2005, Obama actually went to Ukraine for photo-ops overseeing the destruction of its vast weapons caches. pic.twitter.com/cFILupGqqx
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) January 8, 2024
Global leaders have strongly condemned the attack, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell deeming it a blatant violation of international law. Borrell emphasized that deliberate targeting of civilians constitutes war crimes, asserting that those responsible for such acts, including Russia’s leaders and commanders, will face justice. The Ukrainian government has reiterated its plea for additional air defense systems to safeguard its cities and military personnel.
In response to the aggression, Ukrainian forces are intensifying their defensive measures, though many requests for additional weaponry, such as long-range missile systems and drones, remain unmet. President Zelenskyy, in discussions with world leaders, including Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has urged for immediate assistance to prevent further loss of life and protect critical infrastructure from potential future missile attacks.
The recent escalation in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscores the enduring harshness of the conflict, with both sides experiencing significant military losses. Estimates indicate that tens of thousands of soldiers from both Russian and Ukrainian forces have perished since the conflict commenced in February 2022. Furthermore, the UN has reported a substantial increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine, making July 2024 the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022.
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