At least 51 people were killed and 271 injured in a Russian missile attack on the city of Poltava in central Ukraine.
A military academy and a nearby hospital were hit in the attack.
Ukrainian ground forces confirmed that military officers were killed in the attack.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced that people did not have enough time to reach shelters after the air raid warning was sounded.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to make Russia pay for the attack and has again called on countries to call in more air defenses to help Ukraine defend itself against long-range missile strikes.
Moscow has not released any information about the attack.
People living near the area where the attack took place said that the windows of their houses were broken due to the severity of the explosion.
In a statement following the attack, the Governor of Poltava region, Philip Pronin, described it as “a malicious act of Russia” and said that 15 people are still believed to be trapped in the rubble.
Pronin said rescue teams were on the scene and 10 residential buildings were damaged in the attack. Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska posted on her X page that the attack was a “shocking and tragic event for all of Ukraine.” She added that Russia is taking away the most precious thing from us, which is life.
The first African Cities Forum under the theme “Sustainable Urban Development for Africa’s Transformation Agenda 2063” will be held in Addis Ababa from tomorrow.
Mayor Adanech Abebe said, “We are very happy because the first African Cities Forum will be held in Addis Ababa in commemoration of the Adwa victory.”
Mayor Adanech Abebe announced on her social media page that by organizing the first African Cities Forum, it is an important platform where we can consult with our African brothers and sisters on ways to modernize our cities, make them comfortable centers of change and prosperity for residents, and work hand in hand.
Mentioning that many arrangements have been made for the success of the forum, the mayor said that it is of great significance for the residents of the city to have this opportunity.
He said that we should work together and work harder to make our city a forum, convention and center of gravity for this type of event.
He stated that such events are beneficial for the city by generating and promoting tourism income.
The mayor called on the residents of the city to treat guests with the usual Ethiopian politeness, absolute humility, African brotherhood and sisterhood by welcoming and hosting guests and giving them the same respect in various shopping areas.