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.
Zelensky said on the X social media platform that 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.
The death toll from the attack continued to rise throughout the day.
In an address to the nation late on Tuesday, Zelensky said: "As of now, the number of injured is 271 people. Everyone is being provided with the necessary assistance. I am grateful to all the rescuers, doctors, medical nurses and all the Poltava residents who have joined in to help, donated blood, and who provide support. We know that there are people under the rubble of the destroyed building. Everything is being done to save as many lives as possible. According to current information available, this Russian strike killed 51 people. My condolences to all the families and friends."
Zelensky added: "Law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are investigating all the circumstances of this tragedy. The Russians carried out this strike with two ballistic missiles. The air raid alert was sounded. Everything else – every detail – must be established and verified during the investigation."
Earlier in the day, 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.
Zelensky on Tuesday 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