Russian Drone Strike Kills 2, Wounds 14 In Ukraine’s Odesa, Authorities Say

Two people were killed and at least 14 wounded when a Russian drone smashed into a residential high-rise in Ukraine’s Black Sea city of Odesa, authorities said on Saturday.

Three children were among the wounded in the overnight attack, with one in critical condition, said regional Governor Oleh Kiper.

Footage posted by the State Emergency Service showed firefighters battling a blaze and rushing residents down a dark stairwell in the 21-storey building.

Russia has stepped up drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly three-and-a-half-year-old war have stalled.

REUTERS/Nina Liashonok

This is only the latest use of more advanced war tech. Several weeks ago, Russia launched a massive attack, firing nearly 500 drones and 20 missiles into Ukraine in response to Ukraine’s major drone offensive on Russian airfields earlier this month.

According to Ukraine, slightly more than half of the drones were intercepted, as were almost all of the missiles.

“Russia is escalating the war and has no intention of stopping it. Any escalation can only be stopped by force,” said Andriy Yermak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

REUTERS/Nina Liashonok

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These attacks come as President Donald Trump continues his attempt to broker peace between the warring nations. The president scolded Russian Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on June 23 after Medvedev discussed other nations supplying Iran with “nuclear warheads.”

“Did I hear Former President Medvedev, from Russia, casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!), and saying that he and other Countries would supply Nuclear Warheads to Iran? Did he really say that or, is it just a figment of my imagination?” Trump said on Truth Social.

“If he did say that, and, if confirmed, please let me know, IMMEDIATELY. The ‘N word’ should not be treated so casually,” Trump added.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by William Mallard)