Russia’s Shahed attack damages civilian infrastructure in Odesa, injures one person

Valentyna Shults, a member of the Odesa Regional Council and a volunteer, described the situation on Espreso TV, saying the city was rocked by loud explosions.

“The epicenter was on Tairov Street, not far from my home. More than 15 cars burned out in the parking lot, and windows were shattered in nearby houses. As of now, one person is reported injured. People here have learned to go to the parking lot or take cover downstairs as soon as the air raid alarm sounds,” Shults said.

She added that Russia has changed tactics: while air defense units previously found it easier to shoot down Shaheds, the drones now fly higher and then drop rapidly when nearing the city, complicating interception efforts.

At 2:23 a.m., Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov reported explosions in the city.

By 2:59 a.m., the head of the Odesa Regional State Administration, Oleh Kiper, provided details on the aftermath of the Russian attack. Despite the active work of air defense forces, civilian infrastructure was hit: an administrative building and cars caught fire, and windows in nearby residential buildings were shattered.

The State Emergency Service released footage showing the damage — a fire in a parking lot that destroyed several cars, broken windows in a high-rise building, and a damaged store.

According to preliminary reports, one person was injured.