A Deadly Missile Strike Hits Ukrainian Port City of Odesa, Near President Zelenskiy and Greek Prime Minister
In a shocking turn of events, a deadly Russian missile strike has rocked the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, causing chaos and destruction. The attack appeared to have landed dangerously close to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who described the moment as “intense.” The bombardment on Wednesday resulted in the loss of five lives and left several others wounded, according to Ukraine’s navy.
President Mitsotakis recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “We heard the sound of sirens and explosions that took place near us. We did not have time to get to a shelter. It is a very intense experience.” His words highlight the terrifying reality faced by those present during the attack. The strike occurred while Mitsotakis was engaged in talks with President Zelenskiy, adding an additional layer of urgency and concern.
This missile strike comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has been retaliating with its own attacks on Russian lines, including the apparent killing of a Russian election official through a car bomb and a drone assault on a metal plant. As Moscow’s troops advance on the frontlines, Kyiv is grappling with a shortage of manpower and weapons, intensifying the gravity of the situation.
Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesman for Ukraine, confirmed that the missile strike in Odesa coincided with the visit of the Greek delegation led by President Mitsotakis. This alarming revelation underscores the disregard shown by Russian forces towards both military and civilian targets. President Zelenskiy expressed his frustration, stating, “They don’t care whether [targets] are military or civilians; whoever they are, whether they are international guests, these people don’t care.”
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the intended target of the strike. The White House spokesperson in Washington suggested that the missile landed near the convoy, implying that President Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Mitsotakis were the intended targets. However, the Russian defense ministry claimed that the strike targeted a hangar in a commercial port area where crewless cutters were being prepared for combat use by the Ukrainian armed forces. The truth behind the intended target remains uncertain.
This devastating attack follows closely on the heels of another tragedy in Odesa. Just days ago, a Russian drone struck a residential block, claiming the lives of 12 people, including five children. This incident stands as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent weeks, further highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the escalating conflict.
As the White House grapples with Republican opposition to new US aid packages for Ukraine, a spokesperson for President Joe Biden’s national security council emphasized the pressing need for weapons in light of the Odesa attack. They stated, “This strike is yet another reminder of how Russia is continuing to attack Ukraine recklessly every single day.” The urgency to provide support to Ukraine has become increasingly apparent.
In a separate incident, authorities in the Russian-occupied city of Berdiansk in southern Ukraine have blamed Kyiv for a car bombing that claimed the life of a local election official. The Investigative Committee released a statement claiming that a homemade explosive device was planted under the victim’s vehicle. The attack occurred as early voting commenced across occupied Ukraine for this month’s Russian presidential election. The Moscow-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, accused Ukrainian authorities of orchestrating the attack to intimidate residents ahead of the ballot.
In response to these events, Russia has alleged that Ukraine conducted a drone strike on a fuel tank at a metals plant in Russia’s Kursk region. The situation continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in retaliatory actions.
The missile strike in Odesa and the subsequent events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Innocent lives are being lost, and the need for a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must step up its efforts to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety and security of all those affected by this devastating conflict.
