On the night of 18 May, Russian drones attacked Odesa, causing fires and the destruction of residential buildings. Residents of the city were injured in the attack, including an 11-year-old child.
Scale of the night attack on Odesa
Overnight, Russian forces attacked Odesa with drone strikes, targeting residential areas. The explosions caused large-scale fires and the destruction of a one-storey residential building, where an 11-year-old child was injured. Local residents reported extensive damage to infrastructure and concern over the repeated shelling of the city.
Fires and destruction: details of the incident
Another strike hit a three-storey residential building, damaging the roof, setting fire to the attic floor and an apartment on the third floor. At another address, another one-storey building was destroyed as a result of the attack, which also started a fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, but another person was injured. In total, more than 80 rescuers and 20 units of SES equipment were involved in the response. As of the morning, all fires have been extinguished and rescue services continue to work at the sites of the destruction.
Response of the city and rescue services
Odesa city services emphasise that such attacks create serious risks for the civilian population and significantly complicate the daily lives of residents. After the night attack, rescuers quickly arrived at the scene, evacuated people from the damaged buildings and provided the necessary assistance to the victims.
Why it matters
Attacks on residential areas in Odesa once again demonstrate the danger to civilians posed by Russian drone strikes. The victims, including children, need help and protection. Such incidents underscore the need to strengthen the city's air defences and support from the international community.
