A recent drone strike attributed to Ukrainian forces has resulted in a devastating attack on a market in Oleshky, a town currently under Russian occupation in the Kherson region. According to Vladimir Saldo, the governor installed by Moscow in the region, the strike occurred on Thursday, claiming the lives of at least seven individuals and injuring over twenty others. Saldo characterized the attack as a “massive strike with FPV drones against civilians,” emphasizing its target on non-combatants.
Images shared by Saldo showcased the aftermath, revealing a body lying between damaged buildings, one visibly affected by the strike. In a separate video posted online, smoke was seen billowing from the market area, which Saldo alleged was a follow-up attack aimed at “finishing off the survivors.”
Oleshky, positioned on the occupied eastern bank of the Dnipro River, has remained under Russian control since the onset of their military offensive in early 2022. The recent strike highlights the ongoing volatility in a region marred by conflict.
Simultaneously, a separate drone strike in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa reportedly killed at least two individuals and injured fifteen others. Ukrainian emergency services confirmed this incident, noting it took place in a residential area overnight.
These strikes come on the heels of a significant minerals agreement signed between the United States and Ukraine, which U.S. officials characterized as a reaffirmation of American support for Ukraine amidst shifting policies in military aid. This development underscores the broader geopolitical tensions and ongoing military engagements in the region, as both sides continue to navigate the turbulent landscape of the conflict.