The southern Ukrainian city of Odesa endured yet another attack by Russian forces, as drones launched by the Kremlin rained destruction upon civilian areas in the early hours of 21 April. Fires erupted across the city, tearing through residential homes, civilian infrastructure, and an educational institution, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES).
A total of 78 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blazes, backed by 21 fire engines and rescue vehicles. Working alongside volunteers, units from the National Guard, and the Odesa City Council’s own emergency department, these brave responders laboured tirelessly to contain the damage and prevent further tragedy.
Photos released by the SES show scorched buildings, wrecked cars, and shattered classrooms. The aftermath is a grim reminder of the Russian military’s continued targeting of non-military infrastructure and its ongoing war of terror against Ukraine’s civilian population.
Three people were reported injured in the attacks. Emergency services treated victims on-site before transporting them to local medical facilities. The extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed but they are currently receiving treatment.
This assault adds to the growing list of Russian war crimes being documented across Ukraine. Despite repeated calls from the international community for an end to such indiscriminate attacks, the Kremlin continues to defy international law by targeting civilian zones. Ukraine’s resilience, however, remains unshaken. Odesa’s firefighters, backed by community volunteers, stood firm and ensured the flames did not claim more lives.
The SES praised the coordination between emergency teams, noting that swift action likely saved dozens of lives and limited the scale of destruction.
