Poltava, Ukraine (Agencies)– A devastating Russian missile strike on the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies in Poltava, central Ukraine, has resulted in significant casualties. The attack, which occurred on September 3, 2024, killed at least 300 people and injured over 500 others. Among the victims were Swedish and US instructors who were present at the facility.
Moscow’s forces carried out a high-precision strike on the training center, which was housing foreign instructors training Ukrainian troops in communication, electronic warfare, and drone operation, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The strike was initially reported by Ukrainian officials, who stated that two Russian Iskander ballistic missiles had hit the School of Military Communication and Information Technology, resulting in the nearly 300 casualties, including nearly 50 killed.
While the Russian Defense Ministry did not initially comment on the attack, it confirmed the strike in an update on Telegram on Wednesday. It said Russian forces had conducted “a high-precision strike on the 179th Joint Training Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the city of Poltava” on September 3. The ministry added that foreign instructors had been preparing specialists in communications and electronic warfare at the facility, as well as operators of unmanned aerial vehicles participating in strikes on civilian targets on the territory of the Russian Federation. Swedish instructors were specifically preparing Ukrainian personnel in the use of Swedish-supplied AWACS aircraft.
The strike also targeted a nearby hospital, causing extensive damage to both buildings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it a “stunning tragedy” and urging Western nations to provide more support for Ukraine’s air defense systems. He also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances of the strike.
The international community has reacted strongly to the incident. The United States and European Union have reiterated their support for Ukraine, with calls for increased military aid and sanctions against Russia. The attack has further strained relations between Russia and the West, with ongoing discussions about additional measures to support Ukraine.
This incident underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the severe impact on both military personnel and international instructors involved in training efforts in Ukraine. The situation remains tense, with continued missile and drone attacks reported in various parts of Ukraine.