Close to 50 people have been killed and 180 people injured in a Russian attack on Poltava on Tuesday.
It is one of the biggest attacks during the war so far and it is likely that Ukraine will respond to the attack, according to former lieutenant colonel Jörgen Elfving.
– But how remains to be seen. Ukraine has basically only attacked military targets and does not have permission from the West to use long-range weapons deep in Russian territory, he says.
The attack on Poltava stands out, according to Jörgen Elfving. Few Russian attacks have resulted in as many deaths as Tuesday’s, if Volodymyr Zelensky’s statements on Telegram are true. Ukrainian spokesmen have stated on Tuesday afternoon that close to 50 people died and up to 220 were injured in the attack. The death toll may increase.
– It is one of the biggest attacks during the war. Russia wants to be able to influence the Ukrainian opposition and that this should lead to increased war fatigue.
Zelenskyy states that two ballistic robots hit the area of an educational institution and a nearby hospital.
Failure of the air defense of Ukraine
According to former lieutenant colonel Jörgen Elfving, the information is worrying for Ukraine.
– The question is which ballistic robots they were. Previously, Ukraine’s air defense had the ability to shoot these down. It could be that Ukrainian air defenses have failed now, says Elfving.
Ukraine is expected to take revenge
Recently, Russia’s robotic attacks against Ukraine have intensified. Although Tuesday’s attack involved an unusually high number of deaths, it is not unusual for Russia to carry out such attacks.
– This is the issue of civilian targets and it is yet another sign of Russian contempt for human life. This is not the first time Russia has attacked this type of target. Previously, we had the children’s hospital in Kiev and a BB in Mariupol.
Ukraine may now take revenge. “The Russian scum will certainly have to pay for this attack,” Zelensky said on Tuesday.
– There will probably be some kind of Ukrainian response to this, but how remains to be seen. Ukraine has basically only attacked military targets and does not have permission from the West to use long-range weapons deep in Russian territory, says Elfving.