Desk News: Russia has launched a devastating missile strike on a military training center in Poltava, Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 41 people and injuries to nearly 180 others, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The attack involved two short-range Iskander missiles, which struck the center with little warning. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that the missile warning sirens sounded just moments before the missiles hit, leaving little time for people to reach bomb shelters.

Several Russian war bloggers on Telegram confirmed that the area targeted was used for military training. The casualties reportedly included military cadets. A channel named Rybar stated that the missile strike killed newly trained Ukrainian specialists in communications and electronic warfare, adding that replacing these soldiers would be challenging due to the lengthy training required.

President Zelensky mentioned that the missile strike caused buildings to collapse, trapping many people under the rubble. He stated, “Many are still trapped under the debris. Several have been rescued, but over 180 people have been injured. Unfortunately, casualties have occurred. We have confirmed the deaths of 41 people so far. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims.”

The British news outlet BBC reported that while the war continues across Ukraine, Poltava had been relatively peaceful. The scale of this attack has shocked the local population, spreading fear among residents of the capital, Kyiv.

Social media has been flooded with unverified information regarding the attack, with some suggesting that a military parade was taking place at the time of the strike.

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