At least two people have been killed and five others injured in a wave of Russian drone attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, according to local authorities.
The assault, which targeted residential buildings, a supermarket, and a school, has left parts of the city heavily damaged.
Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the casualties in a post on Telegram, stating, “The enemy is attacking Odesa with strike drones. There is considerable damage to civilian infrastructure, particularly dwellings.”
Kiper added that emergency responders were on the scene and medical personnel were providing care to the injured. “Two people died and five others were injured as a result of the strike,” he wrote. “Medics are providing all necessary assistance to the victims.”
Odesa’s Mayor, Gennady Trukhanov, condemned the attack, calling it “another massive assault” on the city.
“Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure have been damaged in various areas of Odesa,” he said.
Footage circulating on social media showed explosions and significant structural damage across several neighborhoods. Though the authenticity of the videos has not yet been verified by the BBC, they depict a city under siege.
Odesa, home to about a million residents, has repeatedly been targeted since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Black Sea port city remains strategically vital for both humanitarian aid and economic trade.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, a drone strike hit a petrol station in central Kharkiv, while loud explosions were reported in the northeastern city of Sumy. Russia has yet to issue a statement regarding the attacks.
The latest escalation comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged a broader and more meaningful ceasefire, calling for a pause in fighting of “at least 30 days.”
Meanwhile, the United States and Ukraine signed a landmark agreement to jointly develop Ukraine’s energy and mineral resources. The deal, which includes plans to create a reconstruction investment fund, signals a deepening of U.S. support for Kyiv despite prior hesitancy from the Trump administration.
Chioma Kalu
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