The death toll from Russia’s overnight missile and drone attack on Odessa has risen to nine, with 23 people reported injured, according to regional authorities.
“As a result of the overnight shelling in Odessa, the deaths of nine people have been confirmed, and another 23 people were injured,” Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper said in a Telegram post.
He added that the information was still being updated and that medical assistance was being provided to the injured. Search-and-rescue operations were continuing at the strike sites as emergency crews worked to deal with the aftermath.
The overnight attack also damaged a dormitory building belonging to the Odesa National Music Academy named after A. V. Nezhdanova, leaving five students injured.
“Three buildings were damaged, and we are relocating students. Most managed to get to shelter during the air raid alert, but unfortunately some were asleep. Five students were injured, mostly senior students,” said Oleksandr Murza, dean of the academy’s orchestral faculty.
He added that a special commission would inspect the building before decisions are made on restoration.
Two nearby buildings were also significantly damaged. According to her, students were evacuated to the academy building, where staff and administrators arrived shortly after the attack.
The strike is part of a broader wave of Russian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Odessa.
