Russia targets Odesa region with ballistic missiles, killing and wounding many people
Rescue workers’ efforts are hampered by air raid alerts that keep sounding nonstop (Photo: Facebook.com / Serhii Kruk)
On Friday evening, December 19, Russian forces carried out a massive strike on port infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region. Seven people were killed, and fifteen others were wounded as a result of the attack, according to a statement by Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper on Telegram.
Kiper said the Russian forces launched a large-scale ballistic missile attack on a port facility in the Odesa region. The strike sparked fires, setting cargo trucks ablaze in a parking area.
“According to preliminary information, tragically, seven people were killed. Another fifteen were injured and hospitalized. Doctors are providing all necessary medical assistance to the victims,” Kiper said.
He added that the work of emergency and rescue services is being hampered because air raid alerts are sounding continuously.
Aftermath of attacks on the Odesa region
On the night of December 13, Odesa and the surrounding region endured one of the largest attacks since the start of the war. The enemy deliberately struck energy infrastructure with missiles and drones in an attempt to plunge the region into darkness and cold.
Due to numerous terrorist attacks by Russian forces on energy facilities, a nationwide state of emergency has been declared in the Odesa region.
In some areas, the situation remains extremely difficult. In particular, the city of Artsyz could be without electricity until December 26. At the same time, restoration work is ongoing across the region to resume power, water, and heating supplies.
In addition, on the evening of December 18, Russian forces attacked a bridge near the village of Maiaky in the Odesa region with a strike drone. The UAV hit a passenger car carrying a woman and children. The woman was killed at the scene, while the children suffered severe injuries.
More details on why Russia has begun targeting bridges in the Odesa region can be found in an RBC-Ukraine article.
