Kyiv / Odesa, Jam 28: A heavy barrage of Russian drone strikes on Ukraine’s southern port city of Odesa has injured at least 23 people, including two children and a pregnant woman, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday, highlighting the growing human toll of the nearly four-year conflict.
According to Ukrainian authorities, more than 50 Russian drones — some reportedly upgraded for longer range and increased strike power — attacked key infrastructure and residential areas. The drones targeted the power grid and struck several apartment blocks, leaving buildings damaged and rescue workers searching through the rubble for additional victims.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and urged the international community, especially the United States, to accelerate diplomatic efforts to end the war. On the Telegram messaging app, he said such strikes not only cause civilian suffering but also undermine ongoing peace negotiations. Zelenskyy noted that a new round of talks involving the U.S. and Russia is tentatively scheduled for February 1, and called for additional pressure on Moscow in the meantime.
The Russian drone campaign comes amid harsh winter conditions and fits into a broader pattern of strikes aimed at Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin may be banking on a prolonged conflict, expecting Western support for Kyiv to wane over time.
The attacks have drawn widespread international concern, as diplomatic initiatives have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough on core issues such as the status of territory held by Russian forces. Zelenskyy and Ukrainian leaders continue to press for swifter and stronger diplomatic engagement to bring the war to an end.