A significant Russian assault on the southwestern Ukrainian port city of Odesa has resulted in extensive power outages and disrupted essential services in residential areas. Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov reported on Wednesday that a substantial portion of the city is currently without electricity, water, and heating following the attack, which targeted a densely populated area.
In his communication via Telegram, Trukhanov emphasized the widespread impact of the bombardment, stating that 14 schools and over 500 homes are experiencing power cuts. The mayor also confirmed that at least one individual has been hospitalized due to the circumstances surrounding the strike. However, he did not provide additional specifics regarding the attack itself.
This incident is part of a broader pattern over the past three years, during which Russian forces have increasingly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, as well as civilian towns and villages throughout the country. The latest strike on Odesa comes in a significant geopolitical context; just a day prior, discussions between Russia and the United States resulted in an agreement to form negotiation teams aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, these talks have faced criticism from Kyiv, which expressed dissatisfaction over its exclusion from the discussions.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Odesa are grappling with the immediate consequences of the attack, with authorities working to restore essential services in the affected areas. The escalation in hostilities raises concerns about the humanitarian impact on the civilian population, especially as winter approaches and heating becomes critical.
