ODESA, Ukraine — A relentless overnight drone offensive conducted by Russian forces struck residential complexes and critical energy infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, resulting in significant damage and civilian casualties. Regional authorities confirmed Wednesday that six individuals, including three young children, sustained injuries during the bombardment that damaged multiple apartment buildings.
Oleh Kiper, head of Odesa’s regional military administration, characterized the assault as part of Russia’s systematic terror campaign targeting civilian infrastructure. Energy provider DTEK reported substantial damage to two key energy facilities, compounding earlier damage to ten regional substations throughout December alone.
This escalation occurs against a backdrop of intensified long-range attacks on Ukrainian urban centers as Russia’s invasion approaches its fourth anniversary. Moscow has significantly increased targeting of energy infrastructure during winter months, deliberately seeking to deprive civilians of heating and running water during extreme cold conditions.
United Nations data reveals alarming casualty figures, with over 2,300 Ukrainian civilians killed and 11,000 injured between January and November this year—representing a 26% increase from the same period in 2024 and a 70% surge compared to 2023.
The sustained attacks coincide with renewed diplomatic efforts to broker peace. Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, where officials suggested a settlement might be “closer than ever,” Zelenskyy is scheduled to engage European leaders next week regarding security guarantees and negotiation terms.
Meanwhile, Moscow alleges Ukraine attempted a 91-drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, claims Ukrainian officials dismiss as fabricated propaganda intended to undermine peace negotiations. Russian Major General Alexander Romanenkov presented unverified flight path maps during a restricted briefing, though independent verification remains impossible.
Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 101 of 127 Russian drones overnight, while Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed shooting down 86 Ukrainian drones over Russian territories, the Black Sea, and occupied Crimea. A resulting fire at a Krasnodar oil refinery was quickly extinguished according to local authorities.