Russia launched a strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa on Wednesday, causing chaos and destruction while President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece were visiting. The two leaders were unharmed and continued their visit of the strategic port city, despite the close call.
The attack, which targeted port infrastructure in Odesa, resulted in the tragic death of five individuals, according to Dmytro Pletenchuck, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy. The exact motives behind the strike remain unclear, with speculation about whether Zelensky and Mitsotakis were specifically targeted or simply caught in the crossfire.
Both leaders recounted the harrowing experience of hearing sirens and explosions nearby while visiting the city’s port. “We didn’t have time to go to a shelter,” Mitsotakis said at a news conference following the attack. Zelensky expressed his frustration with the indiscriminate nature of the assault, stating, “They don’t care where they strike, whether they are military, civilians, international guests — it doesn’t matter to these people.”
The use of high-precision missiles in the attack has raised concerns about escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine’s Air Force reported the possible deployment of ballistic missiles, prompting an ongoing investigation into the incident. Russia claimed that the strike targeted a hangar in the industrial port area where preparations were allegedly being made for the combat use of unmanned boats by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Odesa, a crucial hub for Ukraine’s Black Sea exports, has been repeatedly targeted by Russian forces in recent months. The attacks on grain silos and naval infrastructure have not only disrupted the economy but also resulted in civilian casualties. Last week, a drone strike on a residential building claimed the lives of 12 civilians, including children.
In a show of solidarity with the victims, Zelensky and Mitsotakis visited the site of last week’s attack to pay their respects and laid bouquets of flowers at a makeshift memorial. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need for self-defense in the face of ongoing threats, stating, “This attack speaks to the fact that we need to defend ourselves first and foremost.” The situation in Odesa remains tense as both countries navigate the aftermath of the strike and work towards a resolution to the conflict.
