France New drone attacks shake Odessa: civilian population affected

SDA

15.11.2024 - 05:08

A house in Odessa was damaged in a Russian drone attack. Photo: ---/Ukrinform/dpa
A house in Odessa was damaged in a Russian drone attack. Photo: ---/Ukrinform/dpa
Keystone

A massive drone attack on Odessa has once again hit the civilian population and damaged important infrastructure. Attacks on Ukraine are increasing as temperatures drop and pose a serious threat.

Keystone-SDA

A heavy drone attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa has once again hit the civilian population. According to the Ukrainian authorities, one woman was killed and at least eight other people, including a nine-year-old boy, were injured. Odessa's military governor Oleh Kiper reported damage to residential buildings, a church and several vehicles. Fires also broke out in several places and a district heating pipe was damaged, causing a heating plant to fail.

Russia is continuing its systematic attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, with a particular focus on energy and heating supplies. These attacks have serious consequences for the population as winter approaches, as around half of Ukraine's electricity capacity has been put out of operation by Russian attacks. The frequency of drone attacks has increased in recent weeks, which correlates with the falling temperatures.

Political tensions and international reactions

The political situation remains tense, as there is growing concern in Ukraine and its European supporter countries that the US could withdraw its support for Kiev. This could put Russia in a position to emerge victorious from the conflict through a unilateral peace settlement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi plans to present a ten-point plan for internal security, including energy supply and weapons production.

Military training and the front line

In France, around 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers have completed their training for a new brigade. This training took place under conditions that are as close as possible to real frontline conditions in order to prepare the soldiers for defense against Russian attacks. The soldiers will soon return to the Ukraine to take up their duties there.

On the front line, Selensky praised the efficiency of the Ukrainian defenders in the Kupyansk area, where there were reports of a repulsed attack by Russian armored vehicles. The strategically important small town in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv remains a contested location where the Ukrainian defenders are under heavy pressure.

Looting and admissions

The former governor of the Russian border region of Kursk, Roman Starovoit, has admitted that Russian soldiers have looted in the region. This admission is remarkable, as Moscow normally suppresses reports of crimes committed by Russian soldiers. The looting was repeatedly deplored by the inhabitants of the region, and the admission was received with applause by the audience.

Russian forces are still trying to retake the territories captured from Ukrainian troops, with reports of support from North Korean soldiers circulating. Russian state news agency Tass falsely accused Ukrainians of looting in the village of Glushkovo, which was never under Ukrainian control.