Russia launched a Shahed drone attack on Odesa early Thursday morning, July 3, hitting a residential high-rise and injuring six people.
Explosions were heard in the city around 3:00 a.m. after several waves of drones were recorded approaching the region. Shortly afterward, Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov confirmed that residential buildings had been hit.
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“A nine-story building was severely damaged. All services are working at the scene. The injured are being treated,” Trukhanov wrote.
According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS), the drone strike sparked a fire between the 7th and 9th floors of the building. A preliminary inspection indicated serious structural damage, and authorities warned it is currently unsafe to enter.
As of 6:00 a.m., emergency responders had evacuated 50 residents. Ten people, including two children, were rescued with specialized equipment. Four people were confirmed injured.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that from 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday to Thursday morning, Russia launched 52 Shahed drones and decoy UAVs from multiple directions.
Air defense forces downed 40 of them, with 22 destroyed by direct fire and 18 suppressed by electronic warfare systems.
Despite the air defenses, drone strikes hit seven locations across Ukraine, while debris from intercepted drones also fell in one area.
The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, later reported that five people were injured as a result of the Russian drone strike on Odesa, including two children.
Russian FPV Drones and Artillery Kill Two, Wound Four Civilians Across Ukraine
According to Kiper, six apartments were completely destroyed, and another 36 sustained partial damage.
“Five people were injured, including a 7-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl. The children were hospitalized with smoke inhalation,” he wrote.
The other injured adults received medical assistance and are continuing treatment as outpatients, he added.
Law enforcement officers are documenting the aftermath of yet another Russian war crime against civilians in the Odesa region.
As of now, rescuers have completed work to eliminate the consequences of the Russian attack on Odesa.
“As a result of the enemy strike, six people were injured and eleven were rescued. We wish everyone a speedy recovery,” the statement said.
Russia has sharply intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, launching more than twice as many strikes in June 2025 compared to the same month last year.
The escalation comes as the White House pauses shipments of key US air defense and precision weapons, a move that risks undermining Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
According to Politico and NBC News, a Pentagon review revealed dangerously low stockpiles of Patriot air defense missiles, guided bombs, Hellfire missiles, and artillery shells - many of which are vital for Ukraine’s frontline and urban defense.
White House officials confirmed that the shipment pause was based on a Defense Department assessment and aimed at safeguarding US national security. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly signed the order after reviewing stockpile levels, with no clear timeline for resumption.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said it has not received formal notification about the pause but is seeking clarification and has requested talks with US counterparts. Ukrainian officials emphasized that any delays would only embolden Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also summoned the US Embassy’s deputy chief to underscore the importance of continued military support.
Despite these developments, the Trump administration sought to downplay concerns. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, when pressed by Kyiv Post’s correspondent about weakening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, said the US commitment to Ukraine remains unchanged and that the pause affects only a limited category of aid.
She reiterated the administration’s view that targeting civilians is unacceptable and insisted there were still multiple channels of military support for Ukraine.
Bruce maintained that the decision would not affect Russia’s behavior on the battlefield and claimed the US had not entirely stopped sending weapons. She also noted President Trump’s continued support for providing Patriot missiles.
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