Devastating Drone Attacks Impact Ukraine's Strategic Black Sea Port

A tragic drone assault on Odesa, Ukraine's largest Black Sea port, left one dead and at least 14 wounded, as confirmed by local officials and prosecutors on Friday. The assault marks a severe escalation in the persistent wave of missile and drone attacks that Russia has perpetuated since the onset of the war.

The attacks impacted key infrastructures, with high-rise residential structures and railway facilities sustaining damage. Local governor Oleh Kiper reported significant damage despite active air defense efforts, noting impacts to a higher education institution, a gas pipeline, and private vehicles, among others.

The Ukrainian air force revealed that Russia launched 86 drones overnight, with air defense successfully eliminating 34. Despite these measures, drones struck eight locations, including Kharkiv, further illustrating the high-stakes security challenge facing Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)