KYIV, Ukraine — An overnight Russian drone strike in Odesa, southern Ukraine, resulted in the destruction of an apartment complex and damage to the power grid, leaving six individuals injured, among them a toddler and two other children, according to local officials on Wednesday.
Ole Kiper, the head of the regional military administration, reported that four residential buildings experienced significant damage due to the bombing. DTEK, the power company, noted that two energy facilities were seriously impacted, indicating that ten substations in the Odesa region had been compromised just in December.
This year has seen a marked increase in Russia’s long-range attacks on cities across Ukraine. As the anniversary of its invasion approaches in February, Russia has intensified its assaults on energy infrastructure, likely aiming to deprive Ukrainians of essential heating and water during winter months.
Earlier this month, the United Nations reported over 2,300 civilian fatalities in Ukraine and more than 11,000 injuries from January to November this year. This represents a 26% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024 and a staggering 70% rise from 2023.
These ongoing drone and missile strikes occur alongside renewed diplomatic attempts to end the conflict.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at his resort in Florida, claiming that peace is “closer than ever.” Upcoming discussions are planned for Ukrainian leaders with European heads of state who back the efforts to establish a feasible resolution.
In the midst of rising tensions, the recent attack in Odesa showcases “enemy terrorist tactics that specifically target civilian infrastructure,” stated Kipel.
The Russian government alleged that Ukraine launched an assault on President Vladimir Putin’s residence using 91 long-range drones late Sunday and into Monday. Ukrainian officials refuted this claim, suggesting it is a tactic to hinder peace negotiations.
Major General Alexander Romanenkov of the Russian Air Force contended that the drone originated from Ukraine’s Sumy and Chernihiv regions. During a press conference—where questions were not permitted—he displayed a map outlining the drone’s flight path before it was intercepted by Russian air defenses.
However, this report remains unverified.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kalas commented that Russia’s assertions were a “deliberate obstruction” in peace negotiations, urging that no one should trust the unfounded claims from an aggressor targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilians since the conflict began.
On another note, President Zelensky announced that Romania and Croatia had joined a fund to procure arms for Ukraine from the United States. This financial initiative, known as the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), aggregates contributions from NATO members (excluding the US) for purchasing American military supplies.
Zelensky noted that there are now 24 nations that have contributed to this fund, which has amassed $4.3 billion to date, with nearly $1.5 billion raised just in December, as he shared on social media.
According to Ukraine’s air force, 127 Russian drones were launched into Ukraine overnight, with 101 intercepted by air defense systems.
In parallel, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that 86 Ukrainian drones were taken down overnight over its territories, the Black Sea, and annexed Crimea.
A fire at an oil refinery in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region—sparked by Ukrainian military action—was reported to be quickly contained by local officials.
