At least 1 killed in new Russian strikes on Odesa
The port city of Odesa has experienced a devastating incident with fresh Russian missile strikes, resulting in at least one person losing their life and 19 others sustaining injuries, as reported by officials.
Regional Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed that among the injured, 14 people were admitted to hospitals, including four children, indicating the severity of the attacks.
In addition to the human toll, the historical Transfiguration Cathedral in the city was also damaged by the strikes, further adding to the sense of loss and destruction.
The situation in Odesa has escalated as Moscow has been relentlessly launching attacks on the city since it withdrew from a significant grain deal on Monday. The conflict has led to a dangerous and volatile situation in the region, with civilian lives and historical landmarks being tragically affected.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence and urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The loss of lives and damage to infrastructure highlights the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
As the situation remains fluid and tense, the impact on civilians and cultural heritage underscores the grave consequences of armed conflicts. Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic event, and we hope for a swift resolution to the hostilities to prevent further loss of life and damage.
“Odesa: another night attack of the monsters,” Mr. Kiper expressed on Telegram, highlighting the horrifying nature of the recent missile strikes. He further revealed that six residential buildings, including several apartment buildings, were completely destroyed as a result of the strikes, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
The Transfiguration Cathedral, which belongs to the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), was also severely damaged in the attacks, according to Odesa’s military administration. The historical significance of the cathedral adds to the gravity of the situation.
It is Odesa’s largest Orthodox church and has a storied past, having been consecrated in 1809. However, it faced destruction during the Soviet era in 1939 and was later rebuilt in 2003.
Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov was seen in a video posted by the city council, bravely navigating through the rubble inside the church, surveying the damage caused by the missile strikes.
The attacks on residential buildings and cultural landmarks in Odesa are an alarming escalation in the ongoing conflict. The toll on civilian lives and historical sites underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the hostilities. The international community continues to express concern over the violence and calls for an immediate cessation of attacks to prevent further loss and destruction.
As the situation remains volatile, our thoughts are with the residents of Odesa and all those affected by these tragic events. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the crisis, allowing the people of Odesa to rebuild their lives and restore their cultural heritage.
Additional video clips posted on social media captured the anguish and distress of a man walking inside the cathedral, repeatedly uttering the words: “The church is no longer… Lord, have mercy.” These emotional scenes illustrate the profound impact of the missile strikes on the historic Transfiguration Cathedral and the immense loss experienced by the local community.
It is important to note that the BBC was unable to independently verify the reports of damage or the authenticity of the video clips at the time of reporting. However, the situation in Odesa remains deeply concerning, with the UN’s cultural agency, Unesco, urging Russia to halt the attacks on the city. Earlier this year, Odesa’s historic center was designated as an endangered World Heritage site by Unesco, despite opposition from Russia.
In response to the ongoing attacks, Ukraine’s southern command provided an update on Facebook, stating that Russia had targeted the Odesa region with at least five different types of missiles. This indicates the intensity and seriousness of the attacks, further exacerbating the humanitarian and cultural crisis in the region.
The situation in Odesa continues to draw international attention and concern, with calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of civilian lives and cultural heritage. As the situation unfolds, it is essential for accurate information and efforts towards de-escalation to be prioritized to prevent further harm and destruction. Our thoughts are with the people of Odesa, and we hope for a swift resolution to the conflict that ensures peace, safety, and preservation of their cultural heritage.
Following the latest attack on Odesa, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, reiterated calls for increased support in the form of missiles and defense systems. He emphasized the urgent need to bolster Ukraine’s capabilities to defend against such attacks and protect its civilians and critical infrastructure.
In a message shared on Telegram, Mr. Yermak expressed his condemnation of the unprovoked violence inflicted upon the peaceful city of Odesa, referring to it as “undisguised terror.” He stressed the necessity of depriving the enemy of any opportunity to launch attacks on innocent civilians and vital infrastructure.
The repeated attacks on Odesa have heightened concerns for the safety and security of the city’s residents and cultural heritage. Mr. Yermak’s call for additional military support underlines the seriousness of the situation and the need for a robust defense strategy to safeguard lives and property.
As the conflict continues, international attention remains focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the hostilities. Ensuring the protection of civilians and cultural sites, including Odesa’s historic center, remains a top priority. Amid the escalating violence, diplomatic efforts are essential to de-escalate tensions and find a path towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
Our thoughts are with the people of Odesa and all those affected by the conflict. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution that will bring an end to the violence and create conditions for a safe and secure future for all.
The situation in Odesa has escalated significantly since Moscow’s withdrawal from the UN-backed grain deal on Monday. Moscow’s attacks on the port city have notably intensified, and Ukraine has accused Russia of specifically targeting grain supplies and critical infrastructure related to the deal.
One devastating strike earlier in the week resulted in the destruction of approximately 60,000 tonnes of grain, exacerbating concerns about the security of grain supplies and the impact on the vital trade agreement.
Odesa holds immense importance as Ukraine’s largest port, facilitating the shipment of millions of tonnes of grain under the terms of the deal brokered by Turkey and the UN in July 2022. The agreement established a corridor in the Black Sea, allowing cargo ships to transport goods through the region.
The withdrawal from the grain deal and the subsequent attacks on Odesa have raised alarm and condemnation from the international community. The targeting of grain supplies and vital infrastructure further exacerbates the humanitarian and economic implications of the ongoing conflict.
Amid the escalating violence, the safety and well-being of civilians and the security of essential trade routes are of paramount concern. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution remain critical to preventing further loss of life and damage to critical infrastructure.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community continues to closely monitor developments, urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a renewed commitment to peace negotiations. Our thoughts are with the people of Odesa and Ukraine, and we hope for a swift resolution to the conflict that ensures the safety and prosperity of all.
