Russia targets Odesa homes, school, and rail hub with drones
A Russian drone strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa overnight on June 20 killed one person and injured at least 14 others, including three firefighters, Ukrainian officials said.
The attack damaged civilian infrastructure across the city, sparking widespread fires and destroying homes.
One four-story residential building was completely engulfed in flames, according to the State Emergency Service (SES). Firefighters rescued three people and evacuated six others from the burning structure. While battling the blaze and evacuating residents, three rescuers were injured when parts of the building collapsed. All are reportedly in stable condition.
Another 23-story apartment building was also hit, with flames consuming the 18th, 19th, and 20th floors. About 600 residents were evacuated, including two children rescued from a blocked apartment.
The SES said over 10 drone strikes were recorded across the city. Several other residential buildings, private vehicles, stores, a school, and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. Fires also broke out at a recreational facility near the coast after a drone crashed and exploded.
Odesa’s central railway station was among the targets. Ukrainian Railways reported that the station’s catenary system and track grid were damaged, but there were no casualties. Train service continued according to schedule.
Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov warned residents to remain in shelters, confirming multiple powerful explosions across the city. He shared images of the destruction and noted that civilians might still be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed that civilian infrastructure—including university buildings, gas pipelines, and cars—was hit despite active air defense operations. A large fire broke out in a residential building in the city center following a drone impact.
Ukrainian Air Force earlier warned of incoming Shahed-type drones from the Black Sea. The full extent of the damage and casualty toll remains under assessment.
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