ODESSA, Ukraine, June 20, 2025 – A Russian drone assault struck the Ukrainian Black Sea port metropolis of Odessa within the early hours of June 17, 2025, killing a 60-year-old girl and injuring 14 others, together with a pregnant girl and a 17-year-old woman. The assault, which focused residential areas and civilian infrastructure, prompted vital destruction and heightened fears within the metropolis, a frequent goal of Russian strikes within the ongoing struggle.
In response to the Odessa Regional Prosecutor’s Workplace, the assault occurred between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., with Russian forces deploying a number of strike drones. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported that 17 individuals have been initially cited as injured, with one particular person hospitalized and others receiving outpatient therapy. The physique of the deceased girl was discovered below the rubble, and a search continues for one more girl believed to be trapped. The assault broken a number of house buildings, together with a four-story residential block that was destroyed and a 23-story advanced the place higher flooring caught hearth, prompting the evacuation of 600 residents. An inclusive useful resource heart for kids, a kindergarten, a municipal enterprise, garages, and personal vehicles have been additionally hit, per Kiper’s Telegram updates.
Movies and photographs shared by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine confirmed firefighters battling blazes and residents rescuing pets amid the devastation. Mayor Gennady Trukhanov emphasised the lack of the inclusive heart, which supported youngsters with particular wants by way of therapies like canine-assisted rehabilitation. No accidents have been reported on the heart itself, however the close by kindergarten sustained harm.
The Ukrainian Air Power reported that Russia launched a major variety of drones, although particular figures for this assault weren’t detailed. Posts on X, together with one from @United24media at 14:47 IST on June 17, captured the strike’s depth, with video proof of a drone hitting a residential constructing. One other publish by @UkrReview at 11:31 IST on June 20 famous three rescuers among the many injured, highlighting the dangers confronted by emergency responders.
Odessa has endured repeated Russian drone assaults, with latest strikes on March 21 and Might 1, 2025, inflicting comparable harm to civilian infrastructure. The June 17 assault follows a sample of intensified Russian assaults, together with a large strike on Kyiv on June 10, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as one of many largest on the capital. These assaults come amid faltering ceasefire talks and escalating cross-border strikes, with Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Internet” on June 1 concentrating on Russian air bases.
As Odessa grapples with the aftermath, residents face ongoing challenges, together with energy outages and broken infrastructure, underscoring the struggle’s toll on civilian life. Zelenskyy has referred to as for stronger worldwide sanctions towards Russia, stating, “Each such terrorist strike is purpose sufficient for brand spanking new sanctions”.
