An overnight barrage of Russian drones struck the Black Sea port city of Odesa early Thursday, killing at least two people and wounding no fewer than 15 others. The attack triggered multiple fires and inflicted heavy damage on critical infrastructure, authorities said.
Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, reported on Telegram that the assault damaged residential high-rises, private homes, a supermarket, a school, and several vehicles. Emergency services worked through the morning to extinguish blazes and assist those affected.
Ukraine’s state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, confirmed that the strike also hit key parts of its network, damaging tracks, power lines, and three freight cars. “Railway employees are carrying out rapid repair work to ensure that freight trains run to ports without interruption. They are currently following an alternative route,” the company stated.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched a massive overnight offensive using five ballistic missiles and 170 drones. Of the drones, 74 were shot down, while another 68 failed to reach their targets, likely disrupted by electronic warfare systems.
Elsewhere, in Kharkiv — Ukraine’s second-largest city — a drone strike ignited a fire at a petrol station in the city center, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. No casualties were immediately reported from that incident.
The attacks underscore the continuing intensity of Russia’s campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, particularly targeting transport and energy hubs.
