In a significant escalation of aerial assaults, Russian drones targeted the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, situated on the Black Sea, as announced by local officials on Friday. The attack resulted in injuries to three individuals and ignited extensive fires. This aggressive action highlighted Moscow’s commitment to continue its airstrikes, despite a temporary agreement to cease attacks on energy facilities. Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa region, reported that the city experienced “local emergency power outages” across three districts, which could indicate damage to its energy infrastructure.
Following the assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for increased international pressure on Russia, urging strengthened sanctions and enhanced defense support for Ukraine. “Joint pressure… and defense support for our state … is the way to stop such terror and Russia’s prolongation of the war,” Zelenskyy declared. He expressed expectations of “real pressure on Russia from the U.S., Europe, and all our partners,” suggesting that such actions would pave the way for diplomatic solutions.
In a separate assertion, Russia accused Ukraine of sabotaging a gas facility in the Kursk region, an area where Ukrainian forces have recently intensified activities, purportedly breaching the ceasefire agreement. However, Ukraine has denied these accusations, attributing the destruction to Russian military shelling.
The drone strike on Odesa took place just before Czech Republic President Petr Pavel’s scheduled visit on Friday morning, during which he engaged with city leaders and representatives from other regions in Ukraine’s south. Kiper remarked, “This is another reminder to the whole world: the war continues and Ukraine continues to fight.” He detailed the aftermath of the attack, noting widespread blazes at a minimum of three locations on Thursday night, affecting civilian infrastructure, commercial facilities, and damaging vehicles. Over 70 firefighting personnel and 20 engines were mobilized to tackle the “massive fires,” as described by emergency services.
The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukrainian forces of a deliberate attack on a gas metering station near Sudzha in Kursk region, framing it as a provocation aimed at discrediting U.S. peace initiatives. Conversely, Ukraine’s military leadership countered these claims, accusing the Russian military of orchestrating the attack as a disparaging attempt. This gas metering station is part of a major pipeline previously supplying Russia’s natural gas to Europe.
Amid the strain, Ukraine and Russia have tentatively agreed to a limited ceasefire, mediated following discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, discrepancies remain regarding the scope of the agreement. The White House emphasized coverage of “energy and infrastructure,” while the Kremlin narrowed the scope to “energy infrastructure.” Zelenskyy expressed hope for additional protection for railways and ports.
Preparatory discussions in Saudi Arabia are set to address the types of infrastructure protected under the truce. Zelenskyy is hopeful for progress towards a “full ceasefire,” applauding Trump’s proposed 30-day solution despite Russia’s conditions for halting arms supplies to Kyiv and suspending Ukraine’s military mobilization, both of which are unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian military is observing the ceasefire on energy facilities for 30 days, in line with the arrangement between Trump and Putin.
Elsewhere, Russian glide bombs caused injuries to at least six individuals, including a child, in the Zaporizhzhia region. Images shared by local officials depicted firefighters addressing multiple residential fires. Ukraine’s air force noted extensive drone activity by Russia, claiming the interception of numerous drones. In the south, a fire at an oil depot in Krasnodar continues, following a Ukrainian drone strike earlier.
