Russian Strike Kills Three in Odesa as von der Leyen Visits Kyiv

Russia conducted an air strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Wednesday, killing three civilians, a local official said. The attack coincided with the arrival of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv, where she announced a package of new defence initiatives aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s security and resilience. Officials described the strike as part of an intensified Russian campaign targeting critical infrastructure in southern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian forces reported that overnight they hit 20 Russian vessels operating in the Black Sea, among them several gas tankers, marking a significant escalation in maritime confrontations. The Ukrainian military said the strikes were aimed at disrupting Russian logistics and supply lines. Both sides’ actions underscore the heightened tension in the region as international partners increase support for Ukraine’s defence efforts.