Missile Hell Rain Down on Odesa Ahead of Putin-Lukashenko Summit
Odesa, Ukraine’s key port city, was rocked by a fresh Russian missile strike in the early hours of Sunday. The attack came just before President Vladimir Putin was due to meet his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko in Saint Petersburg. Kremlin says the two leaders will discuss their “strategic partnership and alliance.”
One Civilian Dead, Dozens Hurt in Nighttime Terror
The battered city, a constant target since the invasion launched, took another hit. Odesa regional governor Oleg Kiper confirmed one civilian was killed in the strike, while 18 others were wounded – including four children. The Ukrainian Southern Operational Command revealed the Russians launched at least five types of missiles, including deadly Kalibr cruise missiles.
Ukrainian air defences shot down many missiles, but damage was still heavy. The city’s infrastructure and several buildings were hit, including the iconic Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral in the centre of Odesa.
Grain Deal Fallout Fuels Black Sea Tensions
The assault comes hot on the heels of Moscow quitting a grain export deal, sparking fears over vital Ukrainian supplies. Kyiv blames Russia for targeting grain shipments and essential export infrastructure. Moscow insists its strikes only hit military targets. Meanwhile, the Black Sea is a powder keg after Russia staged live-fire exercises with cruise missiles, ratcheting up the tension.
Chaos in Crimea and Calls for Western Support
Adding to the chaos, Kyiv launched a drone strike on a Crimean ammunition depot the previous day. This triggered evacuations and halted rail traffic on the Russian-annexed peninsula. Moscow has accused the West and Ukraine of killing a Russian war correspondent in Zaporizhzhia, vowing repercussions.
Ukraine’s presidential office is now doubling down, demanding more missiles and defence systems from Washington, specifically long-range tactical missiles and missile defence to protect civilians and vital infrastructure.
