In brief
Three people were killed in a massive drone and missile strike on Odesa last night, marking the fifth day of sustained Russian attacks on the Black Sea port. Local officials say the strike hit a multi‑storey residential building, a non‑residential structure, and a gas pipeline, while Russia justifies targeting port sites used for petroleum logistics. Ukraine reports its drones struck 20 Russian ships in the Black Sea, countering Russia’s naval offensives. Political turmoil in Kyiv continues as President Zelenskiy dismisses the current prime minister, while European leaders visit to coordinate defence cooperation.
Three people have been killed following an overnight Russian attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa.
Governor Oleh Kiper described the strike as "massive", calling it the fifth day that Russia has targeted the region with drones and missiles. According to Kiper, the attack hit a multi‑storey residential building, a non‑residential structure, and a gas pipeline, while civilians were injured.
The Russian defence ministry said it deliberately struck port infrastructure involved in unloading petroleum, oil and lubricants, claiming that certain sites were used to manufacture military hardware and transport cargo. This targets a vital part of Ukraine’s wartime economy, as the Odesa port handles a large share of the country’s grain exports via the Black Sea.
Even as the strikes continue, Ukraine’s own forces have hit back: drones attacked 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea overnight, adding pressure on Russia’s naval operations. These attacks are part of a broader counter‑offensive that has also hit Russian ships in the Sea of Azov.
In the midst of the conflict, Ukraine’s political scene remains volatile. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after less than a year in office, and parliament passed a motion to accept her resignation. The government is poised to nominate a successor, with the head of Naftogaz, Serhiy Koretskyi, a leading candidate.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss cooperation between European and Ukrainian defence industries. She announced new initiatives aimed at accelerating production for both sides, underscoring the growing partnership amid ongoing hostilities.
Russian attacks overnight into Wednesday hit a residential building in Odesa.
