Russian forces have once again launched deadly missile attacks on the southern Ukrainian region of Odesa, located near the border with NATO member Romania.
Air Raid Sirens
On Friday, four civilians lost their lives when a Russian ballistic missile struck a two-story building in a civilian area, according to Oleh Kiper, the governor of the region.
The strike also left ten others injured. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple regions as the attack unfolded, causing widespread fear among residents, according to Ziare.
This latest incident follows a deadly attack just one day earlier, which killed six people and injured 11 more in the same region. In addition to these casualties, a civilian vessel flying the Panamanian flag was damaged.
A Crucial Coastal Region
Odesa, a crucial coastal region in Ukraine, has been a frequent target since the war began. Russian forces have repeatedly attacked the area, damaging ships and grain silos in what Ukrainian officials describe as an effort to destroy Ukraine’s capacity for exports.
Odesa’s strategic position on the Black Sea makes it a vital hub for international shipping, especially for grain exports, which are essential for both Ukraine’s economy and the global market.
The city of Odesa is located close to Romania, a NATO member. With Russia’s missile attacks occurring so near to the NATO border, Romania has faced falling debris from destroyed missiles.
On several occasions, Romanian fighter jets have been put on high alert to protect their border and respond to any potential threats.
