Russian airstrike hits residential area in Odessa

A Russian air attack struck Odessa, targeting a residential building and energy infrastructure in the Ukrainian Black Sea port city. The assault resulted in one death and eight injuries, while causing significant damage to the city's heating infrastructure.

According to Odessa Regional Governor Oleh Kiper, the attack destroyed a multi-story residential building in the city center, setting apartments ablaze and damaging approximately 30 vehicles. The strike also damaged the main central heating pipeline and forced the temporary shutdown of a boiler plant. Critical heating infrastructure serving a local maternity hospital was also affected.

While Governor Kiper initially reported the attack was conducted using drones, Odessa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov characterized it as a "mass combined enemy strike," suggesting the use of multiple types of weapons. Images shared on Kiper's Telegram account showed an apartment building engulfed in flames with firefighters responding to the scene.

The State Emergency Service released videos showing rescue personnel battling fires at the damaged building.

This attack continues a pattern of Russian strikes against Odessa and its vital port facilities throughout the two-and-a-half-year conflict. Emergency repair work is currently underway to restore heating services to affected areas, with particular urgency given the damage to critical infrastructure serving residential areas and medical facilities.

The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure to Russian attacks, particularly in strategic port cities like Odessa. Local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate emergency responses, while residents cope with the disruption to essential heating services as winter approaches.