A Russian drone strike on a residential tower in Odesa, Ukraine, killed two civilians and injured at least 14 others late Friday night, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack marks a continued escalation in Russia’s aerial assault campaign as urban centers face increasing threats.
The strike hit a high-rise building in the Black Sea port city around midnight on June 28. Among the injured were three children, one of whom remains in critical condition, said Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper. Emergency services worked overnight to extinguish fires and evacuate residents from the heavily damaged structure.
Ukrainian state emergency officials released video footage showing crews navigating smoke-filled hallways and escorting families from the building. The Ukrainian military did not immediately disclose the specific type of drone used in the strike.
This attack follows a pattern of intensified Russian drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine in recent weeks. The Odesa region has seen multiple such incidents in June alone. Earlier this month, Russian forces struck power facilities and residential buildings in the area, prompting renewed calls for enhanced air defense support.
Ukrainian forces responded with drone strikes on Russian military positions in Crimea, reportedly damaging helicopters and air defenses. Kyiv maintains that these retaliatory operations aim to deter continued Russian aggression.
The ongoing conflict, now in its third year, shows no signs of de-escalation. Diplomatic talks remain stalled, and the civilian toll continues to climb as both sides intensify their military operations.
