Russian Missile Strike Kills 5, Injures 32 at Ukrainian Law School Known as "Harry Potter Castle"

On April 29, 2024, a Russian missile attack targeted a law school in Odesa, Ukraine, known as the "Harry Potter castle" due to its architectural resemblance to the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The strike, carried out using an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead, killed five people, including a 12-year-old boy, and injured 32 others.

The attack caused significant damage to the building, which houses the National University Odesa Law Academy, and nearby residential areas. The academy's president, Serhiy Kivalov, a former member of parliament, was among those injured in the strike. Kivalov, who is also a former member of the pro-Russian Party of Regions, received a shrapnel wound to his right thigh and was hospitalized with heavy bleeding.

Ukrainian authorities reported that the missile contained shrapnel, indicating that Russian troops aimed to hit as many civilians as possible. The attack also damaged nearby houses and caused a fire that engulfed the top half of the building. Among the injured were two children, aged 4 and 5, and a pregnant woman, with eight people in severe condition and four, including the 4-year-old girl, in extremely critical condition.

The Ukrainian Air Force had warned of a ballistic missile threat prior to the strike, which was one of several Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities that day, including Kharkiv, where one person was wounded. Russian forces have been targeting the port city of Odesa almost every day, hitting both civilian and critical infrastructure.

Why this matters: The attack on the law school in Odesa is a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the devastating impact it has on civilians, including children. As the war continues, the international community is calling for increased support for Ukraine and efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for faster deliveries of weapons to help Ukrainian troops who are outgunned by Russian forces. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, acknowledged that months-long delays in US military aid to Ukraine had "serious consequences on the battlefield" but maintained that victory over Russia was still possible. Law enforcement has launched a criminal investigation into the violation of the laws and customs of war in connection with the Odesa attack.

Key Takeaways

• Russian missile strike on Odesa law school kills 5, injures 32 on April 29, 2024.
• Missile contained shrapnel, indicating intent to hit civilians; 4-year-old in critical condition.
• Attack damaged nearby houses and caused fire; school president Kivalov injured with shrapnel.
• Ukraine calls for faster weapons deliveries; NATO acknowledges delays impacted battlefield.
• Criminal investigation launched into violation of laws of war for Odesa attack.