Russian strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed at least three people, according to the city's military administrator, as Ukraine said it struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea in an escalating exchange of attacks on shipping infrastructure.
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Key facts
- At least three people were killed and three others wounded in Russian strikes on Odesa, the city's military administrator said.
- Ukraine released video of strikes on 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including 17 oil tankers.
- Overnight Russia attacked sites in Odesa and Sumy, according to the BBC.
- Russia and Ukraine have recently launched attacks on each other's shipping infrastructure.
At least three people were killed and three others wounded in Russian strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, the city’s military administrator said, according to Al Jazeera. The attacks were part of an overnight Russian assault that also hit sites in Sumy, the BBC reported.
In response to the strikes on its territory, Ukraine said it had targeted 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea. Ukraine released video of the strikes, which it said included 17 oil tankers, according to Al Jazeera.
The BBC reported that in recent days Russia and Ukraine have launched attacks on each other’s infrastructure for shipping goods, pointing to an intensifying focus on maritime and export capabilities.
The overnight events reflect a widening of the conflict beyond front-line positions to include the Black Sea, a critical route for the movement of goods and energy supplies in the region.
Casualty figures reported by outlets varied as the situation developed through the day, with initial reports citing three deaths in Odesa. The BBC’s coverage referred to a higher toll amid continued attacks.
Odesa, a major port on Ukraine’s southern coast, has repeatedly been a target during the war, given its strategic importance to shipping and trade.
Why it matters
The strikes highlight how the conflict has increasingly targeted shipping and energy infrastructure, threatening civilian lives and vital trade routes. Attacks in the Black Sea can disrupt oil transport and exports with consequences that reach well beyond the immediate region.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in the Odesa attack?
The city's military administrator said at least three people were killed and three others were wounded in the Russian strikes on Odesa, according to Al Jazeera.
What did Ukraine target in the Black Sea?
Ukraine said it struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including 17 oil tankers, and released video of the strikes, according to Al Jazeera.
Which areas did Russia attack overnight?
According to the BBC, Russia attacked sites in Odesa and Sumy overnight.
Timeline
- Ukraine strikes 20 Russian vessels
Al Jazeera: Ukraine released video of strikes on 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including 17 oil tankers.
- Russian attacks kill six as Ukraine targets Black Sea oil tankers
BBC World: Overnight Russia attacked sites in Odesa and Sumy, while Ukraine attacked 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea.
- Three killed as Russian bombing of Odesa continues
BBC World: In recent days, Russia and Ukraine have launched attacks on each others' infrastructure for shipping goods.
- Russian attack on Odesa kills three as Ukraine targets vessels in Black Sea
Al Jazeera: At least three people killed and three others wounded in Russian strikes on Odesa, city's military administrator says.