Tragic Loss: Deadly Russian Missile Strike Claims 14 Lives and Leaves Dozens Wounded in Odesa
Reports from Ukrainian officials confirm a devastating Russian missile attack on Odesa resulting in the tragic loss of at least 14 lives and leaving numerous individuals injured. The strike has caused widespread devastation and raised concerns over escalating tensions.
A Russian missile strike hit civilian infrastructure in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, causing the death of at least 14 people and injuring many others, according to Ukrainian officials on Friday.
After the initial missile hit the Black Sea port city on Friday morning, resulting in casualties among civilians, Ukrainian emergency service workers who had quickly arrived at the scene were then targeted in a second strike, a tactic known as a “double tap” that Russia has been using throughout its over two-year-long conflict in Ukraine.
A paramedic and a rescue worker were killed in a Russian missile attack at the scene of the first explosion. Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa regional military administration, reported on Telegram that there are also many medics and rescuers who were heavily injured.
The attacks occurred as Russians nationwide participate in elections that are expected to secure President Vladimir Putin a fifth term in power. The elections are carefully orchestrated and many Russians are heading to the polls.
Russia launched the initial missile at approximately 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. ET), hitting a civilian building which resulted in a fire, as reported by Ukraine’s emergency services. Rescuers rushed to the scene to put out the fire and search for any survivors but were unfortunately hit by a second strike shortly after.
In addition to the 14 individuals who lost their lives, there were at least 46 people wounded, including seven emergency services workers, according to Kiper.
Emergency services try to extinguish a fire caused by the Russian missile strike.
Emergency services try to extinguish a fire caused by the Russian missile strike.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters
Odesa, a crucial port for Ukraine’s grain exports and a major base for its navy, has sustained huge damage after months of Russian strikes.
Last week, a Russian missile exploded only a few hundred meters from a convoy with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is the leader of a NATO member state. Both leaders mentioned they were near enough to witness and hear the impact.
Zelensky often goes on dangerous trips to the front lines and has hosted many world leaders in Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion. However, this attack was one of the closest encounters the president has faced.
After the strike, Zelensky asked his allies to send more air defenses. Kyiv is well protected by the US-made Patriot system, but other Ukrainian cities are not as shielded.
Mitsotakis described the strike as a clear indication of the ongoing war. He emphasized that the war does not just impact the soldiers on the front lines, but also innocent civilians.
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