RUSSIA POUNDS UKRAINE WITH OVER 300 DRONES, KILLING ONE IN ODESA
In one of the most intense aerial assaults in recent months, Russia launched more than 300 Iranian-made drones across Ukraine over a span of 72 hours, targeting infrastructure and urban centers, with the southern port city of Odesa bearing the brunt of the attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the onslaught included waves of Shahed-136 drones, which have become a signature component of Russia’s long-range bombardment strategy.
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least one civilian was killed and several others injured in Odesa after a drone exploded near a residential neighborhood, causing widespread damage to homes and vehicles. Emergency responders were seen clearing debris from collapsed buildings and extinguishing fires sparked by the explosions. Power outages were reported across the city due to damage to energy facilities.
Ukraine’s military claimed that it intercepted a majority of the drones, with air defense units shooting down more than 250. However, the sheer volume of drones overwhelmed some defense systems, allowing several to reach their intended targets. Ukrainian officials stated that energy infrastructure, warehouses, port facilities, and even grain silos were among the targets hit — raising fresh concerns over Ukraine’s ability to maintain grain exports amid the ongoing conflict.
The attack comes at a time of growing fears over food security, particularly in regions reliant on Ukrainian grain. Odesa, a key Black Sea port, has remained vital for agricultural exports despite repeated Russian attempts to disrupt maritime trade routes. With silos damaged and grain supplies under threat, Ukrainian officials have warned that global food markets may again face instability, reminiscent of earlier stages of the war.
Russia has defended the drone barrage as a response to recent Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, including drone attacks on oil facilities and military bases. The Kremlin stated that the strikes were aimed solely at military and logistical targets supporting Ukraine’s operations. However, international observers and human rights organizations have condemned the tactic as indiscriminate, noting the growing toll on civilian life and infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded with a firm statement, vowing retaliation and calling on Western allies to expedite military aid, particularly advanced air defense systems. “Russia’s drone terror will not break us,” Zelenskyy declared. “We need more Patriots, more NASAMS, and faster delivery of promised systems. Every delay costs lives.”
The United States and several NATO allies have condemned the attacks, with Washington reiterating its commitment to Ukraine’s defense. Discussions are reportedly underway to increase the delivery of air defense systems and replenish depleted missile stockpiles. The European Union also urged Russia to cease attacks on civilian targets, calling the drone strikes “a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
As the war enters its third year, the drone attacks underline a grim reality: Russia is leaning heavily on cheaper, unmanned systems to exert pressure across Ukraine. While Ukraine has improved its air defenses significantly, the scale and frequency of these attacks remain a critical challenge. For the people of Odesa and beyond, the recent assault serves as a stark reminder of the war’s enduring and evolving threats.