Russia targeted the southern Ukrainian port cities of Mykolaiv and Odessa early Thursday, injuring at least 20 people, according to local authorities.
“The Russians struck the city center of Mykolaiv. A garage and a three-story residential building are on fire. Firefighters have arrived at the scene,” said Vitaliy Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region, on Telegram. “A total of 18 people were injured, nine of whom have been hospitalized, including five children. Two people were rescued from the rubble,” he added.
According to Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych, “there is a huge hole in the ground near a three-story residential building. The fire is very severe.” “At least five residential buildings have been damaged,” said the mayor, adding that “about 15 garages” were also damaged at another location.
“We will resist the attacks of the Russian evil” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video of a fire ravaging the city of Odessa in southern Ukraine after new strikes early Thursday morning. The port city of Odessa, located about 100km away, was also hit for the third consecutive night.
“The Russian terrorists continue their attempts to destroy the life of our country,” the Ukrainian leader criticized, lamenting “injured and dead.” However, local authorities do not report any deaths, but rather 18 people injured in Mykolaiv and two people hospitalized in Odessa.
“But the evil state does not have missiles more powerful than our will to save lives, to support each other, and to prevail. (…) Together, we will get through this terrible period. And we will resist the attacks of the Russian evil,” he continued.
