Key facts
- Russia attacked Ukraine's Odesa region overnight, targeting port and energy infrastructure.
- The Odesa seaport sustained damage.
- Eight people were wounded in the city of Odesa.
- The attack caused widespread electricity outages.
- Power has been restored to 90,000 consumers.
- Pope Leo renewed his call for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and respect for international humanitarian law.
Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine's Odesa region, striking port and energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the Odesa seaport sustained damage and that eight people were wounded in the city. He characterized the attack as Russia's war on global food security, highlighting the port's importance for Ukraine's agricultural exports.
Ukraine's energy ministry reported that Russia attacked power facilities, leading to a significant loss of electricity for residents. However, power had already been restored to 90,000 consumers.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo renewed his call for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, citing the tragic multiplication of civilian victims, including children. He appealed for respect for international humanitarian law and an end to attacks on civilian targets by both sides. The UN reported over 16,000 civilians have been killed in nearly 4.5 years of fighting, with civilian injuries and deaths increasing by more than a third in the first half of the year. Five people died in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian city of Belgorod, while both Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians.