Deadly Russian Drone Strike Hits Poltava, Leaves 2 Dead and 21 Injured
A Russian drone strike on the central Ukrainian city of Poltava early Thursday morning killed two civilians and injured at least 21 others, in one of the most severe attacks on the region in recent weeks, according to local authorities.
The strike, carried out using loitering munitions, ignited multiple fires and caused extensive destruction across the city.
Among the key targets was a military recruitment center, which sustained significant damage alongside nearby residential buildings.
Volodymyr Kohut, head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration, confirmed the casualties, stating that emergency services were working at full capacity.
“Two people lost their lives, and others have required medical assistance,” Kohut announced. “All relevant agencies are on-site, and a crisis response headquarters has been activated.”
Acting mayor Kateryna Yamshchykova provided further details, noting that more than 20 buildings were affected, including nine multi-story apartment blocks, seven private homes, an educational institution, a number of commercial properties, and dozens of civilian vehicles.
“Municipal response teams, volunteers, and psychological support units are working nonstop,” Yamshchykova wrote on social media.
Humanitarian organizations including the “Red Cross,” “Proliska,” “Right to Protection,” and “Vilni ta Nezlamni” have joined the relief efforts.
Ukraine’s Air Force later confirmed that the assault was conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles.
Visuals released by the State Emergency Service depict emergency crews battling flames and navigating debris-strewn streets.
The Poltava strike follows a similar drone attack earlier this week in the Donetsk region, where a Russian loitering drone hit a vehicle evacuating wounded civilians near Pokrovsk, killing one and injuring three.
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