Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on the center of Odesa, striking a hotel and injuring at least three people, according to Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration.
He made the announcement on Ukrainian television, according to Ukrinform.
“Just an hour ago, three ballistic missiles struck central Odesa. We already have two victims,” Kiper said.
He later confirmed that two women had been hospitalized with moderate injuries and that the situation was still being assessed.
“The air alert has just been lifted, and the State Emergency Service is inspecting the fire. All emergency services are on-site. This is a densely populated area, but thanks to the quick response of the police and other services, people were moved to safety,” he added.
Kiper confirmed that the hotel had been directly hit and that rescue teams were clearing the rubble in search of anyone who might have been inside during the attack.
“According to initial reports, people were in shelters at the time of the strike. However, we are now inspecting the rooms to ensure no one was trapped or injured in the hotel or in nearby areas affected by falling debris,” he explained.
Later, Kiper reported on Telegram that the number of injured had risen to three.
“We now know of three victims from the missile strike in central Odesa. A young man, born in 2006, suffered a head injury and has also been hospitalized,” he wrote.
The attack occurred on January 31, during an air raid alert, with explosions heard throughout the city. Russian forces targeted Odesa’s historic center, damaging a UNESCO-protected building.
Main photo: Oleh Kiper / Telegram
Source: Russian forces strike central Odesa with three ballistic missiles, hitting hotel
