Russian Drones Target Odesa as Czech President Visit

Late on Thursday, Russia launched one of its largest drone attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea city of Odesa, injuring three teenagers and causing fires, while Czech President Petr Pavel was in the city for talks. The attack occurred while Pavel, a strong supporter of Ukraine, was meeting with local officials. He has played a significant role in securing over one million artillery shells for Ukraine’s defense.
Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper stated that the strike came during their meeting, highlighting the severity of the assault. The drones hit the city in several waves, damaging infrastructure, residential buildings, and commercial properties while sparking multiple fires. A car repair shop suffered heavy damage, with around 25 cars set ablaze. The shop’s owner, Inna, expressed shock, saying, “We could not do anything. We were just standing and watching as everything was on fire.”
Military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko noted that Russia used new tactics in the attack, sending drones from higher altitudes and at higher speeds to evade Ukraine’s air defenses. He called it one of the most intense attacks on Odesa since the invasion began in February 2022, describing it as an act of intimidation and terror targeting civilians.
In a separate development on Friday, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of attacking a key Russian gas pumping station in the Kursk region, which had recently been recaptured by Moscow’s forces. Russia claimed Ukraine had blown up the facility, calling it an act of terrorism, while Ukraine argued that Russian forces shelled it as part of a provocation.
Both sides have expressed willingness to halt attacks on energy infrastructure after talks with U.S. officials, although Moscow has rejected a broader 30-day ceasefire proposal. Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian delegates are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss further details.
Overnight, Russia launched 214 drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, which shot down 114 and suppressed another 81 using electronic warfare. Ukraine has also continued to target Russian assets with drones, hitting oil infrastructure and a strategic bomber base in recent days.