Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Strikes Odesa, Injuring Civilian and Damaging Infrastructure.

Odesa Comes Under Attack

According to UATV: On February 12, Russian forces launched a major assault on the port city of Odesa. The attack, which involved 24 'Iskander-M'/S-300 ballistic missiles and 219 strike drones, resulted in one person being wounded and caused damage to civilian and critical infrastructure. This assault is part of a wider pattern of strikes targeting Ukraine's Black Sea coast and its vital economic hubs.

The barrage damaged the facade and roof of a nine-story residential building, sparking fires on the top floor. Residents described flames in a room, on a windowsill, and on a sofa.

“And then, at the end, we stood in the doorway, and there were about seven explosions. Everything was falling and collapsing.” – Valentyna, an Odesa resident

Additionally, the attack ignited a fire in a pavilion at a local market and damaged a supermarket building. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) was called to assist 23 residents affected by the strikes. Another local, Olesya, recalled:

“We didn't sleep. At the first explosion, we ran into the corridor without slippers, without anything.”

Impact on Local Residents

Overall, the attack on Odesa serves as another stark example of the escalating conflict in the region and its severe impact on the lives of local civilians.

This event underscores the continuation of the armed conflict in Ukraine, which disrupts the daily lives of the civilian population. The damage to residential buildings and infrastructure highlights the grave consequences for locals, who face constant danger and stress. The strike on such a significant city is likely to intensify international focus on the conflict and its mounting humanitarian toll.