Photo: Vitaly Kim / Telegram
On the night of 21 March, Odesa became the target of another massive attack by the Russian occupiers. The enemy launched a powerful drone strike, which had serious consequences: large-scale fires broke out in the city, civilian infrastructure was damaged, and power supply was cut off in several areas. This was reported by the head of the Odesa regional military administration, Oleh Kiper.
According to Kiper, three people, including a minor girl, were injured as a result of hostile fire. “Powerful fires broke out in three locations in the city, and rescuers are currently trying to put them out,” he said. In addition, the attack caused emergency power cuts in Prymorskyi, Peresypskyi and Kyivskyi districts of Odesa.
The official stressed that the air alert in the region has not subsided, and the threat of repeated attacks remains high. “The enemy does not stop, so we urge everyone to be vigilant,” Kiper added.
Journalist Andriy Tsaplienko posted a video showing flames engulfing one of the city’s districts after the hit. Local Telegram channels report that a shopping centre is on fire, although there is no official confirmation of this information.
Telegram Tsaplienko
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defence Council’s Disinformation Counteraction Centre, drew attention to the change in tactics of the Russian invaders. “The enemy is now attacking with a large number of drones, trying to overwhelm our air defence, mobile groups and electronic warfare equipment,” he explained. This strategy, he said, is aimed at breaking through the defences of Ukrainian cities.
This attack is reminiscent of the previous massive attack on Odesa, when drones also left part of the city without electricity. The Russian occupiers continue to terrorise civilians by striking civilian objects and critical infrastructure.
The situation in Odesa remains tense, and local authorities and emergency services are working to eliminate the consequences. Residents are urged not to ignore alarms and to take care of their own safety.
