Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Odessa and the surrounding region overnight, deploying more than 50 drones and striking residential areas and civilian infrastructure. The assault left at least 23 people injured, with search-and-rescue operations continuing for those possibly trapped under the rubble, Ukrainian authorities reported.
According to Oleh Kiper, Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, several educational facilities were damaged in the attack. The Odesa Vocational Lyceum of Construction and Architecture was hit for the second time in recent days, suffering extensive damage. More than 200 windows had previously been shattered during an earlier strike, and several training laboratories were destroyed. A fire broke out in the building following the latest attack.
A preschool, “Yasla-Sadok” No. 14, was also damaged, with blast waves shattering windows and damaging interior doors. Kiper noted that educational institutions across the region are currently operating remotely due to weather conditions.
In the city’s Prymorskyi district, 43 buildings were damaged, affecting a preliminary total of 122 apartments, according to Serhii Lysak, Head of the Odesa City Military Administration. Emergency services continue to clear debris, and 67 residents have already sought assistance from the city’s operational headquarters.
Additional damage was reported in other districts. Three buildings were hit in the Peresyp district, where more than 200 windows were blown out, 51 of them destroyed by fire. In the Khadzhibey district, search-and-rescue operations remain underway, with three people still reported missing.
Rescue workers have freed 14 people from rubble and hazardous areas, including children. The Regional Military Administration reported that nine of the injured have been hospitalized, among them two girls born in 2008 and 2013 and a woman who is 39 weeks pregnant. One person remains in serious condition, while eight others are in moderate condition. All injured individuals are receiving medical care.
The State Emergency Service said residents of destroyed apartments have been evacuated to Points of Resilience. Psychologists from the Emergency Service and the National Police are working at the sites, and heating points have been set up to assist those affected.
UPDATE 11:25
Rescue workers found the body of a man under the rubble of a building damaged in the Russian attack on January 27.
UPDATE 13:42
In Odessa, the death toll from the overnight Russian attack has risen to two.
“During the clearing of debris from a destroyed building on Prokhorivska Street, rescuers uncovered the body of a man. Thus, the attack has now claimed two lives in the city,” the report states.
In Odessa, 35 people were injured in the drone attack on the night of January 27, including 12 who were hospitalized.
UPDATE 15:10
Rescuers have found the body of a third person, according to Serhii Lysak, head of the Odesa City Military Administration.
“Information about the third victim of the overnight attack on the city has just been confirmed. Rescuers discovered the body of a woman under the rubble of a residential building on Prokhorivska Street,” he wrote on Telegram.
