Ukraine under fire: Civilians killed, Zelenskyy appeals for aid
The death toll in the Poltava missile attack has risen to 12, including two children, The Kyiv Independent reported on February 2nd, at 7:30 AM. Search and rescue operations are underway at the attack site.
Attacks are reported across Ukraine, with casualties in Poltava.
Ukrainian media reports a massive fire at a Kharkiv warehouse following a Russian drone strike. The fire engulfed 2,000 square meters of a civilian business in Kharkiv's Slobidskyi district. No casualties were reported.
The Ukrainian military accused Russia of striking a school in Sudja, used as a shelter for the elderly, in the Russian-occupied part of the Kursk region, with dozens of civilians reportedly trapped under the rubble. In August of last year, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in the Kursk region, retaking dozens of villages and small towns, including Sudja, a regional hub with a pre-war population of around 6,000.
"Russia won't stop on its own. The world must compel it to end this brutal and unprovoked aggression. We must strengthen our defenses. We need better protection: air defense, long-range weapons, and sanctions pressure. All of this helps protect lives here in Ukraine. I thank everyone worldwide who understands the importance of this and continues to believe in our country and support us," President Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader noted that hundreds of attacks have targeted Ukrainian cities and communities this week, including nearly 50 missiles, around 660 attack drones, and over 760 guided aerial bombs.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
