Russian drones struck Ukraine’s southern port city of Odesa overnight, damaging residential buildings and critical energy infrastructure while injuring six civilians, including three children, Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday. The attack is part of a broader escalation in long-range strikes targeting urban areas across the country.
Read More: Russia intensifies strikes on Odesa, cuts power to 120000
According to Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa regional military administration, four apartment buildings were damaged during the bombardment. Among the injured were a toddler and two other children, underscoring the civilian toll of continued aerial attacks on populated areas. Emergency services responded through the night to assess damage and assist residents.
⚡️ 6 people injured in Russia’s December 31 massive attack against Odesa, according to city military administration head Serhiy Lysak.
📷 odesaMVA/Telegram pic.twitter.com/gVRhocG5pd
— Denys from Ukraine (@GlushkoDenys) December 31, 2025
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, said two of its energy facilities sustained significant damage in the assault. The company noted that ten electricity distribution substations in the Odesa region have been damaged in December alone, highlighting the growing strain on the power grid as winter conditions intensify.
Ukrainian officials say Russia has increasingly focused on energy infrastructure in recent months, aiming to disrupt electricity, heating, and water supplies during the cold season. As the war approaches its fourth year in February, these attacks have raised concerns about humanitarian conditions for civilians.
The United Nations reported earlier this month that from January to November 2025, more than 2,300 Ukrainian civilians were killed and over 11,000 injured. The figures represent a sharp increase compared with previous years, reflecting the intensification of hostilities and the wider use of drones and missiles.
Read More: Russian drone strikes devastate Odesa and Kharkiv
The strikes came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. US President Donald Trump recently hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said a settlement was “closer than ever,” while further talks with European leaders are expected. Ukrainian officials, however, say the continued attacks on cities like Odesa complicate prospects for de-escalation and prolong civilian suffering.