On January 31st, Russian forces launched missiles at the heart of Odesa, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ukraine, causing significant damage to historic structures and injuring seven individuals, according to local authorities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack as a "deliberate strike," emphasizing the urgency to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities. He noted that Norwegian diplomats were among those affected at the epicenter of the assault.
The governor of Odesa region, Oleh Kiper, confirmed the injuries and ongoing emergency response efforts at the scene. Images shared online by Kiper and Odesa Mayor Hennady Trukhanov depicted the Hotel Bristol, a renowned 19th-century luxury hotel, reduced to rubble.
The Odesa Philharmonic concert hall adjacent to the hotel also suffered damages, including shattered windows. Additional pictures and videos showed debris scattered near the historic opera house and museums, illustrating the widespread destruction inflicted by the missile strikes.
Kiper highlighted the use of high-explosive missiles designed to penetrate concrete, indicating a deliberate targeting of civilian structures to cause devastation and casualties.
In his address, President Zelenskiy reiterated the importance of reinforcing air defenses and discussed plans to enhance Ukraine's weaponry systems for better protection against future attacks.
"We are actively collaborating with our allies to secure our nation," he added, emphasizing the need for increased drone acquisitions, investment in robotic technology, and the procurement of essential armaments to safeguard the lives of Ukrainian citizens and military personnel.