Russian occupiers launched a missile strike on Odessa. It is known that an elite hotel in the city center was damaged.
As reported by a UNIAN correspondent, powerful explosions were heard in the city during an air raid alert on the evening of January 31. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported fast-moving targets in the direction of Odessa from the Black Sea area.
The mayor of the city, Gennady Trukhanov, and the head of the Odessa Regional State Administration, Oleg Kiper, urged residents to seek shelter. Shortly after, explosions were heard again. Car alarms went off on the streets.
On social media, people reported that windows were shattered and there were certain damages in some buildings in the historical center. In particular, the elite "Bristol" hotel on Italian Street, one of the oldest buildings in Odessa, was affected.
Updated. It has been reported that a hotel employee was injured as a result of the strike. According to Kiper, the woman has been hospitalized and is currently receiving necessary medical assistance. Eyewitnesses claim that the woman was allegedly "trapped in the bomb shelter," and first aid was provided by staff from a nearby beauty salon.
The city hall announced that due to the damages, trolleybuses on routes No. 9 and No. 7 are temporarily operating only to the railway station.
According to Trukhanov's data, currently, two injuries have been reported.
"There are many damages and destructions in the UNESCO protected area, including a building that is under enhanced protection," he emphasized.
Local Telegram channels report that the streets are covered in glass, and a large crater has appeared near the hotel. There are also reports of damage to a shop. Debris is located near the Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, and a "glass rain" is falling on the street.
Previously, Kiper confirmed the strike on the city center.
"Russian terrorists attacked the historical center of Odessa with missiles. The threat remains. I urge everyone to stay in shelters!" the official emphasized.
Shelling of Odessa by drones and missile
Recall that on January 28, Russian occupiers attacked Odessa and the Odessa region with strike drones and a missile. The missile was destroyed, but the debris from the downed UAVs damaged the glazing of four residential apartment buildings and five summer houses.
In one of the residential courtyards in Odessa, 10 cars caught fire. A grain warehouse was also damaged. As a result of the drone attack, four people were injured: a 91-year-old man was hospitalized, while the other victims received assistance on site.