Deadly Drone Strikes Escalate Tensions Across Ukraine and Russian-Occupied Territories

At least two people have been killed and five others injured in a series of Russian drone strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa, according to regional governor Oleh Kiper. The attacks damaged several civilian sites, including residential buildings, a supermarket, and a school.

Kiper confirmed that Russian forces targeted Odesa using strike drones, causing significant destruction to homes and critical infrastructure. “Two people died and five others were injured as a result of the strike. Medics are providing all necessary assistance to the victims,” he stated on Telegram.

Mayor Gennady Trukhanov described the assault as a “massive attack,” saying damage was widespread across multiple parts of the city. Unverified footage circulating on social media shows explosions and buildings torn apart by the blasts.

Odesa, a major port city on the Black Sea with a population nearing one million, has been repeatedly targeted since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

In a separate incident, a Russian-appointed official reported that seven people were killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on a crowded market in Oleshky, a town in the Russian-occupied Kherson region. Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-backed administrator, claimed the attack targeted civilians. However, Ukrainian forces stated their operation aimed at Russian military personnel, killing two out of four soldiers.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, the mayor of Kharkiv reported that a drone strike hit a petrol station in the city center. Explosions were also reported in Sumy, as aerial attacks continue to disrupt life in major urban areas.

These latest escalations came just as the United States and Ukraine signed a landmark agreement to jointly explore Ukraine’s energy and mineral resources. The deal includes the creation of a reconstruction investment fund to support Ukraine's economic recovery amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 11, to coincide with World War Two victory celebrations. In response, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged for a longer ceasefire of at least 30 days to ease civilian suffering and support diplomatic efforts.

Photo: supplied by emergency services.State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa region/Reuters