The Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa has been struck by Russian missiles again, causing significant damage to critical port infrastructure and resulting in casualties. At least one person was killed, and 22 others were wounded in the recent attack, CBS News reported.
Russian Missile Attack Casualties
Among the wounded, four children were severely injured in the blasts that targeted the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, a landmark Orthodox cathedral in the city. The cathedral suffered severe damage, adding to the destruction caused by previous attacks.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 19 Russian missiles were launched against the Odesa region, including high-precision winged Onyx missiles and sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot down nine of these Russian missiles, but the damage was already done.
The ongoing attacks on Odesa have been relentless, particularly after Moscow canceled a significant grain deal earlier, impacting the city’s role as a crucial hub for exporting grain. These attacks have severely affected both civilians and critical infrastructure in the region.
The recent Russian missile strikes have caused massive destruction, including the destruction of six residential buildings, leaving some residents trapped in their apartments. Many people have lost their homes and belongings due to the continuous bombardment.
Notably, the Transfiguration Cathedral, a prominent religious site in Odesa, was severely damaged in a direct hit by a Russian missile. The cathedral’s destruction has added to the already tense situation surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church‘s ties with Russia, though the church has continually declared its loyalty to Ukraine.
Despite Russia’s claims that the attacks targeted sites where terrorist acts against Russia were being planned, the heavy toll on civilians and historical landmarks raises international concern about the indiscriminate nature of these Russian missile strikes.
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Russian Missile Attack in Odesa
The attacks on Odesa came after President Vladimir Putin withdrew Russia from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, impacting Ukraine’s ability to export grain to countries facing food shortages. These actions reflect a deteriorating situation and escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
While Russia and Belarusian leaders met in St. Petersburg, concerns grew over potential aggression against Ukraine, with Moscow warning that any attacks on Belarus would be seen as an attack on Russia. The situation remains highly volatile, with casualties and damages mounting on both sides, and international efforts to find a peaceful resolution become ever more urgent.