- Odesa port infrastructure damaged in overnight Russian attacks

Russian missile and drone strikes caused damage to infrastructure in the Black Sea port of Odesa, according to Ukrainian officials. These attacks were carried out in response to a blast on a bridge linking Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, for which Moscow blamed Ukraine. Ukraine’s air force reported that all six Kalibr missiles and most of the drones were shot down, with the remaining drones destroyed over other regions. Falling debris and blast waves caused damage to homes and port infrastructure in Odesa, resulting in one elderly man being wounded. Odesa has been a frequent target since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The latest attack is seen as evidence of Russia’s disregard for the safety of countries dependent on Ukrainian food exports. U.S. aid chief Samantha Power, who announced over $500 million in humanitarian assistance, is expected to visit Odesa. A fire also broke out in the port city of Mykolaiv, but was quickly extinguished with no casualties reported. The reports have not been independently verified, and there has been no comment from Russia.