Russia launched two waves of massive strikes on Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, April 30.
On Telegram, the head of Odesa’s City Military Administration (MVA), Oleh Kiper, said the Primorskyi district suffered the heaviest damage, with high-rise buildings on fire and a kindergarten significantly damaged.
A total of 18 people were injured, including a 17-year-old boy. Nine were hospitalized, with two remaining in intensive care in critical condition, while the others received medical assistance on site or were sent for outpatient treatment.
At the same time, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS) reported that the number of injured may still change.
“DSNS psychologists worked at the scene of the attacks, providing necessary psychological support to 36 people, including five children,” the statement said.
Later, Kiper reported that the number of people injured in the overnight attack on Odesa had risen to 20, aged between 17 and 70.
“Operational headquarters continue to work at the scene. Efforts to eliminate the consequences of the attack are ongoing,” he added.
In the Primorskyi district, a multi-story building and a five-story residential building were damaged. Large-scale fires broke out on the upper floors and roof but were later localized by rescuers.
Private houses in the central part of the city were also damaged.
A kindergarten building sustained significant damage, while a shopping center, hotel, and administrative premises were also affected.
Dozens of buses and cars were destroyed or damaged in several parking areas.
In the Khadzhibeyskyi district, infrastructure facilities, warehouses, and a garage cooperative were hit.
More than 280 personnel and 68 pieces of equipment were deployed to deal with the aftermath. Operational headquarters were set up on-site to assist residents of damaged buildings.
In the Kharkiv region, Russian forces also struck a private home, injuring one person.
“Enemy drones hit a private house in the village of Velykyi Burluk, Kupyansk district, causing a fire. A 62-year-old woman was injured as a result of the explosions,” the DSNS reported.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia had launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 206 attack drones since 6 p.m. on Wednesday, including Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as Gerbera, Italmas, and other drone types. More than 140 of them were Shaheds.
The air assault was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
According to preliminary data as of 8 a.m. on Thursday, air defenses shot down or suppressed 172 Russian drones nationwide.
A ballistic missile strike and 32 attack UAVs were recorded at 22 locations, while debris from downed drones fell at 9 additional sites.