Russian drones hit Odessa overnight
Dozens wounded as strikes damage homes and power infrastructure
A Russian drone barrage struck the southern port city of Odessa overnight, injuring dozens, damaging civilian infrastructure and prompting emergency rescue operations, officials said. Regional governor Oleh Kiper reported 23 people wounded, including two children and a pregnant woman, and said nine were hospitalized. Separate local reports put the death toll at three and total injuries higher, while emergency crews continued digging through rubble from damaged residential buildings.
Video released by the State Emergency Service showed firefighters evacuating residents and clearing debris from a partially destroyed apartment block. Rescue teams recovered at least one body amid ongoing searches for people who may still be trapped, with witnesses describing chaotic scenes as neighbors tried to reach those beneath the ruins.
The strikes also hit critical infrastructure. Private power company DTEK said an energy facility in Odessa sustained significant damage, contributing to wider disruptions in electricity and services. Municipal crews and utility teams were dispatched to restore power and assess damage, while authorities warned residents to remain cautious of unexploded drone fragments and structurally unsafe buildings.
Ukraine’s air force reported a large Russian drone launch targeting Odessa and other southern regions, with many drones intercepted but several reaching urban areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the attack as “ brutal,” saying more than 50 drones were involved and urging allies to strengthen air defense support as negotiators prepared for another round of talks. Ukrainian officials say the intensified drone campaign aims to pressure Kyiv and damage morale; Moscow asserts it strikes military targets.
Aid and volunteer groups mobilized to assist displaced residents, setting up temporary accommodation and delivering food, blankets and medical help. Local authorities established emergency coordination centers to process assistance claims and document damage for future compensation and reconstruction programs.
Analysts note the growing role of cheap, mass-produced drones in sustaining frequent strikes on cities far from front lines, testing Ukraine’s air defenses and straining emergency services. International condemnation followed, with Western governments reiterating calls for stronger measures to protect civilians. Odesa residents faced renewed anxiety as daylight revealed extensive damage across residential neighborhoods and port-adjacent areas, underscoring the conflict’s toll on civilian life and infrastructure.
