Russian army attacks Odesa with missiles, causing casualties

Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, reported the attacks.

According to reports, civilian infrastructure in Odesa was damaged as a result of the Russian attack. Victims are currently receiving medical assistance, and efforts are underway to determine the exact number of wounded.

The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration added that firefighting is currently underway.

Later, Kiper clarified that as of 1:10 p.m., four victims were known: A 19-year-old boy and three men aged 50, 48 and 58. The wounded were hospitalized and doctors are providing all necessary assistance. 

The South Air Command later reported that the Russian army had attacked Odesa region with two cruise missiles, probably Iskander-K. Due to air defense, one of the missiles did not reach its target. 

In addition, the Southern Defense Forces noted that a warehouse was damaged by a Russian strike. A fire broke out at the site of the hit and is being extinguished by firefighters.

Rescuers extinguished the fire, which covered 3,000 square metres. The firefighters were working under the threat of repeated attack. An operational headquarters has been set up at the site and applications for financial assistance are being accepted for people from the neighboring houses who have been affected.

Earlier, Kiper said that as of 09:55 a.m., three victims were known: a 19-year-old boy and two men aged 50 and 58. The wounded were hospitalized, and doctors are providing all necessary assistance.

Ukraine's Southern Air Command later reported that the Russian forces had attacked Odesa region with two cruise missiles, likely Iskander-K, that morning. Thanks to air defense, one of the missiles did not reach its target.

The first explosions in the city were heard around 08:00 a.m. After that, locals saw a thick cloud of smoke rising in the sky.

At around 07:48 a.m, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of ballistic missiles from the south. Initially, the missiles were headed for Mykolaiv, and then continued to move towards the Odesa region.

At 08:00 a.m, it was reported that the Russian air targets were heading for Odesa and Odesa district. At 08:14 a.m., the Ukrainian Air Force announced the threat was over.

• On the afternoon of June 23, the Russian army attacked Kharkiv. They hit a private house and a children's educational institution: one person was killed and eleven were wounded.