Explosions were reported in Odessa, with RBC-Ukraine detailing the events. The precise site of the blasts was not disclosed at first, while Ukraine’s state public warning system sounded an air-raid alert over the Odessa region, underscoring the tense security situation in the area.
Earlier, in the course of a public visit to the city, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were inspecting the port of Odessa when multiple blasts occurred. The officials, engaged in their oversight of the port, did not have time to seek shelter as the alarms began to ring and the situation evolved. The Russian Ministry of Defense later claimed that a missile strike targeted a warehouse within the industrial port district of Odessa, asserting that unmanned boats, prepared for military use, were stored there.
Since October 2022, after the attack on the Crimean Bridge, Ukrainian infrastructure has faced regular military pressure from Russian forces. Air-raid warnings have become a common feature across various regions, affecting the entire country at times. The Russian defense ministry has stated that ongoing strikes have targeted critical sectors such as energy, defense industry facilities, military command networks, and communications infrastructure. The nature of these alerts and claims reflect the ongoing volatility surrounding the conflict and its impact on urban hubs like Odessa.
In a separate remark, Zelensky acknowledged witnessing explosions in Odessa, reiterating the immediacy and visceral impact of the events as they unfolded. The broader backdrop remains a region under persistent strain, with authorities urging residents to follow official guidance and be prepared for further security developments. The situation in Odessa illustrates how frontline dynamics can intersect with everyday life in a port city that has long been a focal point of strategic and economic activity in the region.