Russia launches massive overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine, hitting Odesa

Saturday 19 July 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia launches massive overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine, hitting Odesa

Russian forces unleashed a large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine, targeting 10 regions with over 30 missiles and 300 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday. The attack caused significant damage in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, where a multi-story apartment building was set ablaze, killing one resident and injuring six others, including a child.

Odesa under heavy fire

Odesa, a frequent target of Russian strikes, suffered extensive damage as 20 drones swarmed the city. Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov reported that at least one high-rise building was engulfed in flames. Images shared online showed emergency crews battling the fire while smoke poured from the upper floors. Parents were seen carrying children to safety wrapped in blankets.

Widespread impact across Ukraine

Ukraine’s air force stated that five missiles and 30 drones struck 12 locations, while seven other sites were hit by debris from downed aerial objects. In the northeastern Sumy region, critical infrastructure was damaged during the attacks, leaving thousands of families without power, Zelenskyy added.

Escalation in Russia’s offensive

In recent weeks, Russia has ramped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities, intensifying the pressure on Ukraine's air defenses. Zelenskyy reiterated the urgent need for additional support from allies, including air defense systems and investments in domestic defense production, to counter Russia’s sustained offensive.

Both Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians, but the war, now in its fourth year, has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians, most of them Ukrainian.

International response

The escalation has drawn sharp criticism from global leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump has toughened his rhetoric against Russia, warning of stricter sanctions in response to the intensifying attacks.