Three employees of a prominent supermarket found themselves injured in a Russian overnight attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.
The incident unfolded early on a Monday morning, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in its wake.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack was executed via an airstrike that targeted the city.
Falling missile fragments not only caused significant damage to the supermarket but also struck a nearby dormitory. As a result, fires ignited, adding to the chaos and destruction.
Odessa Governor Oleh Kiper issued a statement describing the harrowing aftermath of the attack.
He revealed that the missile fragments had caused extensive damage to both the supermarket and the dormitory.
Local firefighting teams were dispatched to control the spreading fires, working tirelessly to prevent further devastation.
The Russian military reportedly employed a formidable arsenal, deploying 15 drones and launching a barrage of eight Kalibr cruise missiles at Odessa from their positions in the Black Sea.
However, Ukrainian authorities assert that all of these missiles were successfully intercepted, preventing further damage and loss of life.
In the midst of this concerning situation, it is important to note that the information provided by Ukrainian authorities could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
International observers and media outlets are working to ascertain the full scope of the incident, as well as the accuracy of the details presented.
The timing of this attack raises eyebrows, as tensions have been on the rise between Russia and Ukraine.
The situation has been further exacerbated by Russia's recent decision to block Ukrainian grain exports through Odessa and other Black Sea ports.
This move came in the wake of Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal with Ukraine, leading to economic ramifications and heightened anxieties in the region.
Odessa, unfortunately, has not been spared from the onslaught. The city has been subjected to heavy shelling on multiple occasions, underscoring the precarious state of affairs in the region.