As the death toll continues to riseRussian attack on school and hospital in Poltavacapital of the Ukrainian region of the same name, where the dead have reached 51 with 271 injured according to the data released in the evening video by President Volodymyr Zelensky himself, The Russians also hit the city of Lviv killing at least three people – including a 14-year-old girl – and injuring 25 others.
“Unfortunately, we have a third person killed in the night attack in Lviv. According to initial information, it is a 14-year-old girl,” regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. Sirens sounded before dawn on Wednesday, according to Mayor Andriy Sadovy, who advised people to take cover as air defenses dealt with a barrage of missiles. Kozytskyi said several residential buildings were damaged in the attack, which also injured several children. Western Lviv has largely been spared the most intense fighting in the two-and-a-half-year war, but Russian strikes last week targeted its energy infrastructure, causing power outages.
In the preceding hours Sumy had come under fire. According to the regional military administration, “the occupiers launched an air strike against the building of one of the city’s universities, with an anti-aircraft gun, and one person was injured.”
The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, on the social network X (formerly Twitter), said: “This is a shocking tragedy for the entireUkraine. The enemy hit a school and a hospital,” adding that Russia “is taking away the most precious thing: life.”
A devastating attack on civilians and sensitive facilities
According to available information, the attack in Poltava hit a densely populated area, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. The targeted school and hospital are two essential facilities for the local community, adding to the suffering and humanitarian impact of the attack.
Local authorities are still working to verify the exact number of victims and treat the injured. Images emerging from Poltava show widespread devastation, with destroyed buildings, burned-out vehicles and debris strewn across the streets. Rescue teams and volunteers are busy with search and rescue operations, while many residents are in a state of shock.
International reactions and accusations against Russia
The attack has sparked strong international reactions. Several world leaders and humanitarian organizations have condemned the attack, calling it a brutal act against civilians and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
US President Joe Biden strongly condemned the “deplorable attack” and promised that the US would provide additional air defense systems. “I condemn this deplorable attack in the strongest possible terms,” Biden said in a statement, adding that Washington would continue to assist Kiev militarily, “including providing the air defense systems and capabilities they need to protect their country.”
Ukraine has accused Russia of continuing to carry out indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets. According to Kiev, this latest attack is a clear example of Moscow’s strategies to terrorize the Ukrainian population and undermine the country’s resilience. The international community has been urged once again to step up sanctions and provide more military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
Olena Zelenska’s complaint
Olena Zelenska, known for her commitment to humanitarian causes and support for victims of the conflict, used her public profile to further raise awareness of the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. Her statement underscores the pain and anger felt by the Ukrainian people in the face of yet another act of violence. “We will never forget it. Eternal memory”concluded the First Lady, echoing the national feeling of grief and determination to resist in the face of Russian aggression.
Today will be a day of changes in the Ukrainian government
According to the spokesman for the president’s party, David Arakhamia, Volodymyr Zelensky will announce a change of “more than 50%” of his cabinet after the resignation of three ministers. “As promised, a major change in the government can be expected this week. More than 50% of the members of the cabinet will undergo changes,” he said on the Telegram channel. “The final list will be determined at the meeting on September 4. Please follow only official news,” Arakhamia said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would be among the first to be dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The humanitarian situationia in Poltava and the rest of Ukraine
The attack on Poltava is the latest in a series of military actions targeting civilian facilities in Ukraine since the start of the conflict. According to the United Nations, thousands of civilians have already been killed or injured, and millions have been forced to flee their homes.
The impact of the conflict on the country’s health and education infrastructure is devastating. With hospitals and schools frequently targeted for attack, Ukrainian authorities and international aid organizations are struggling to keep essential services functioning and protect the most vulnerable communities.