During a nighttime Russian missile attack in Odesa, rescue operations ended tragically: the body of a woman who had died was found, and another person remains trapped under the debris as searches continue
This was reported by Oleg Kiper, head of the Odessa Regional Military Administration, in his official Telegram channel, providing the first official information regarding the consequences of the nighttime strikes on the city on June 17. According to the regional administration head, the tragedy occurred as a result of a massive missile attack that, overnight, was carried out by Russian forces targeting the historic center of Odesa. As a result of the attacks, several residential buildings, a kindergarten, and an inclusive center were destroyed, leading to significant damage and human casualties. Currently, recovery and cleanup efforts are ongoing, with all necessary services involved in the recovery works. "Unfortunately, the body of a 60-year-old woman was found under the debris; her death has been confirmed. We are now actively searching for another person — a 17-year-old girl, whose whereabouts are still unknown. We hope that rescuers will be able to find her alive," Kiper commented on the situation. A particularly alarming fact is that 17 people were injured as a result of the attack, including a pregnant woman and a 17-year-old girl. Overall, one of the injured has been hospitalized, while the rest are planned to be treated on an outpatient basis. This indicates the scale of the destruction and the seriousness of the situation in the city. Rescue teams and all responsible services are actively working at the scene to eliminate the consequences of the attack, clearing debris and assisting the injured. Preliminary data suggest that the enemy targeted the historic center of the city, deliberately destroying residential neighborhoods and social facilities, which poses a risk of further humanitarian crisis. Local authorities urge residents to be cautious and follow the recommendations of defense and rescue services. People with information or those already assisting in searches are called to cooperate to ensure a faster and more effective response to this difficult situation. Currently, the situation remains tense; the authorities of the Odessa region are working around the clock to stabilize the situation and assist the victims. Evidence of severe destruction includes many buildings in the city center that are severely damaged, and recovery work on residential infrastructure is underway. At the same time, all services ensuring safety and evacuating vulnerable citizens at risk are on-site. Information about the search for the missing person and updates on the night’s consequences will be provided later. Local authorities and rescue services continue working 24/7 to establish the circumstances as quickly as possible and to reduce human losses.