Multiple fatalities and injuries reported following drone assault on Odesa, Ukraine, instigated by Russian forces
Attack on Odesa: Drone Strikes Kill Two, Injure 15 in Black Sea Port City
In a brutal turn of events, Russian drone strikes rocked the Black Sea port city of Odesa on Thursday morning, causing chaos and claiming two lives. The attack left 15 others wounded and destroyed multiple buildings, homes, and vehicles.
Regional Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the tragic losses, stating that nine victims perished inside a 16-storey building. According to Irina Kovalenko, the Odesa regional prosecutor's office spokesperson, a man and a woman - both born in 1943 and 1955 respectively - were among the victims, and it's possible they were spouses. The death toll may rise as officials continue to clarify the situation.
Additionally, damaged structures include apartment buildings, schools, supermarkets, and cars. A senior citizen in Kyiv suffered an injury from an explosive drone part and authorities have urged caution regarding potential cluster ammunition debris. So far, no casualties have been reported in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk.
However, Moscow-appointed officials claim that a Ukrainian drone strike in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region left seven dead and at least 20 wounded. The attack reportedly took place at a central market, but independent verification is lacking.
The assault on Odesa unfolded soon after Kyiv and Washington inked a deal granting U.S. access to Ukraine's coveted rare earth mineral resources. This strategic economic partnership may result in enhanced military support for Ukraine, fueling tensions and escalating the conflict.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire continue, with Putin proposing discussions involving land and power plants. However, clashes persist, and both sides accuse each other of targeting civilian areas.
- WhatsApp groups buzzed with news about the Ukrainian attacks, as people shared details of the drone strike on Odesa on Wednesday.
- The general-news channels covered the war-and-conflicts extensively, focusing on the tragic car-accidents caused by the falling debris from drones, like the one that injured an elderly person in Kyiv.
- Politics took a backseat as the crime-and-justice sector grappled with the aftermath of the attacks, with investigations underway to determine responsibility for the attacks on both Ukrainian and Russian territory.
- In the midst of this chaotic political environment, experts citing war-and-conflicts warned of potential future attacks using drones, increasing the threat of accidents and casualties.
- Amidst the rising tensions and the continuing war-and-conflicts, the discussions for a political resolution remained elusive, as both sides remained entrenched in their positions, engaged in relentless attacks and counter-attacks.
