A new drone attack in Odessa has left at least 18 people injured after Russian unmanned aerial vehicles struck the southern Ukrainian port city during the night, officials said on Thursday.
It is the second attack on Odessa this week, further escalating pressure on one of Ukraine’s key Black Sea hubs.
Residential buildings heavily damaged
The worst damage from the drone attack in Odessa was reported in the Primorsky district, where multi-storey residential buildings were hit.
According to regional military administration head Serhii Lysak, fires broke out on upper floors and rooftops but have since been brought under control.
Authorities warned that the number of injured could still change as emergency teams continue assessments.
Among the injured is a 17-year-old boy, while two people remain in intensive care in serious condition.
The drone attack in Odessa also caused extensive damage to a kindergarten building, a shopping centre, a hotel, and several administrative offices.
Photographs released by officials showed fires burning in high-rise buildings, thick smoke rising from apartment blocks, and widespread destruction in residential areas.
Lysak said dozens of buses and private vehicles were destroyed or damaged in parking areas. Infrastructure facilities, warehouses, and a parking cooperative were also hit in other districts.
Large-scale aerial assault reported
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a ballistic missile and 206 drones overnight. Of these, 172 drones were intercepted or neutralised, while one missile and 32 drones struck 22 locations across the country.
Odessa, a major Black Sea port and key export hub, has been repeatedly targeted since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Source: CNA
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