A Russian missile strike on the port city of Odesa, Ukraine, killed three people on Wednesday, a local official reported. The attack occurred as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Ukraine for defense talks, underscoring the ongoing conflict.
The strike hit a residential area, according to Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa regional military administration. Emergency services responded to the scene, and rescue operations were underway. The exact number of injured was not immediately confirmed.
Von der Leyen's visit to Ukraine on the same day included discussions on defense cooperation and support for Ukraine's military efforts. The European Union has been a key ally, providing financial and military aid since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The attack on Odesa, a critical Black Sea port, highlights the persistent threat to civilian infrastructure and lives. Ukraine has repeatedly called for more air defense systems to protect its cities from such strikes.
