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Extensive Drone Attack Strikes Ukrainian Port City of Odesa, Injuring Civilians
A significant Russian drone attack targeted the Ukrainian port city of Odesa late last night, resulting in injuries to at least three individuals. The assault, occurring less than a week after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit, struck a residential building in a densely populated area, according to Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov. This drone strike marks a further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Residential Area Targeted in Odesa
Mayor Trukhanov reported via Telegram, “The enemy targeted a residential area in a densely populated district of Odesa.” He posted images showing a large fire and apartment buildings with damaged facades and shattered windows, illustrating the attack’s impact on civilian infrastructure.
Casualties and Damage Reported
Fires ignited upon impact, damaging multiple apartments. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper stated that three people sustained injuries and received medical treatment overnight. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed following this latest Russian military action.
Attack Follows Ukraine’s Ceasefire Proposal Amidst Ongoing Conflict
This recent attack on Odesa occurred as Ukraine awaits a response to its proposed ban on long-range strikes targeting civilian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the previous day that the proposed ban remained under consideration and Kyiv anticipated a “clear answer” from Moscow regarding the ceasefire proposal.
Ceasefire Initiative and Russian Response
President Zelensky initially proposed a partial ceasefire on April 20th, during the final hours of Russia’s brief “Easter truce.” The proposed ceasefire aimed to prevent “any strikes with long-range drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure for a minimum of 30 days, with the possibility of extension.”
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Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the previous day he was open to discussing the proposal and had a “positive attitude towards any peace initiatives,” but did not implement the ban. The extensive drone attack targeting civilians in Odesa is widely interpreted as Russia’s implicit response to the ceasefire initiative.
Accusations of Ceasefire Violations
Ukraine has documented over 3,000 alleged Russian violations of the temporary ceasefire, although President Zelensky noted that air raid sirens were silent across the country on Easter Sunday. In response, the Russian news agency Interfax accused Kyiv of 4,900 violations.
Claims of Drone Interceptions and NATO Support
While Russia insisted its forces remained within “previously occupied” territories, it claimed its defense units intercepted 104 Ukrainian drones in the preceding 24 hours. During his recent visit with President Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed NATO’s unwavering support, stating, “I understand that some have questioned NATO’s commitment in recent months. However, let there be no uncertainty – our support is steadfast.”