Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on the southern city of Odesa late Monday, just hours after a brief “Easter truce” declared by Moscow came to an end.
Russia resumed aerial attacks on Ukraine on Monday, while President Vladimir Putin raised questions over Kyiv’s offer of a month-long halt to strikes on civilian targets.
The new attacks cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s hopes for a broader ceasefire between the two sides, hours after he said a “deal” could be struck this week.
Ukrainian officials said Russian forces used up to 30 Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, which approached the city from the Black Sea. Several residential buildings were struck in a densely populated area, sparking fires and damaging multiple apartments.
“This is the most massive Shahed-136 drone raid on Odesa since the start of the full-scale invasion,” military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko said. “Putin shows exactly what his promises of ‘truce’ are worth.”
Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said emergency and utility services are working at the scene, and residents are recovering from the shock. He confirmed damage to civilian infrastructure in a post on Telegram.
Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, said medical workers are assisting victims. Preliminary reports indicate at least three people were injured.
Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.