President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video message that Russian forces used two ballistic missiles in the strike, damaging a building housing a telecommunications institute.
"I received preliminary reports on the Russian strike in Poltava," Zelensky said on X. "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."
He added: "People were trapped under the rubble. Many people were rescued, but more than 180 were injured. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. As of now, we know that 41 people were killed. My deepest condolences to all of their relatives and loved ones."
Zelensky also said that he had "ordered a full and prompt investigation into all of the circumstances of what happened."
"The Russian scum will surely pay for this strike," he vowed.
The Ukrainian defence ministry said on the Telegram messaging service that one of the institute's buildings was partially destroyed, the Reuters news agency reported.
"Thanks to the coordinated work of rescuers and medics, 25 people were rescued, 11 of whom were taken from the rubble," the Ukrainian defence ministry said.
"The rescuers are currently continuing their work," it added.
Zelensky renewed his plea for more Western air defences and urged allies to allow their long-range weapons to be used for strikes deeper into Russia.
"We continue to urge everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage," he said.
He added: "Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not later. Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lost lives."
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Tuesday is day 923 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, ukrinform.net
