Death toll rises to 54 after Russian missile attack in Poltava

Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs

The number of victims who died in the Russian missile strike on an educational facility in Poltava on September 3 has tragically risen to 54, with 297 more people reported injured. Rescue teams continue their efforts as up to five individuals are still believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Emergency service has cleared 1,760 tonnes of debris from the site but search and rescue operations remain ongoing as officials race against time to locate survivors.

The attack targeted the facility in broad daylight, leaving little time for civilians to seek shelter, as the missiles struck just moments after the air raid alert. One of the institute’s buildings was partially destroyed, leaving many trapped beneath the wreckage.

The Ukrainian government has launched a pre-trial investigation into the attack, citing violations of the country’s territorial integrity. Investigation suggests that the city was hit by two “Iskander-M” ballistic missiles.

Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.

The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.

In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.

Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.

Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.