A Russian drone strike on Ukraine’s southern port city of Odesa killed two civilians and wounded at least 14 others overnight, according to local authorities. Among the injured were three children, one of whom remains in critical condition.
The drone reportedly slammed into a 21-story residential building, sparking a major fire and prompting a full emergency response. Video released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service showed firefighters working to extinguish the blaze and evacuate residents trapped inside.
The strike is part of a broader escalation by Russian forces, which have ramped up missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. Earlier this month, Russia launched one of its largest aerial offensives yet, deploying nearly 500 drones and two dozen missiles in retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields.
Ukrainian officials say their air defenses intercepted most of the incoming weapons, but the sustained attacks have highlighted Moscow’s commitment to a grinding war of attrition. “Russia is escalating the war and has no intention of stopping it,” said Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Any escalation can only be stopped by force.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has continued his efforts to broker a peace agreement. In a recent Truth Social post, he condemned inflammatory rhetoric from Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, who reportedly referenced the possibility of supplying Iran with nuclear warheads.
“Did I hear Former President Medvedev… casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!)?” Trump wrote. “If he did say that, and, if confirmed, please let me know, IMMEDIATELY. The ‘N word’ should not be treated so casually.”
Trump’s comments come as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and civilian casualties mount across Ukraine.