Russian Missile Strike Hits Postal Depot in Odesa, Injuring 14

On May 2, 2024, a Russian ballistic missile struck a postal depot in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, injuring 14 people and triggering a large fire. The attack, which targeted a warehouse of the major postal and courier company Nova Poshta, was the third such strike on the city in as many days.

Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov confirmed the attack and the number of injured, while regional governor Oleg Kiper stated that civilian infrastructure, including the postal warehouses, was damaged. Footage from the scene showed flames and smoke engulfing the buildings, with much of the loading area reduced to a shell.

Volodymyr Popereshniuk, the head of Nova Poshta, said all 18 employees on duty had safely reached a bomb shelter before the missile hit the loading section of the depot. "The enemy has attacked Odesa with ballistic missiles," Kiper reported, adding that one of the injured required hospital treatment.

Why this matters: Odesa, a vital Black Sea port for Ukrainian exports, has been regularly targeted by deadly missile and drone attacks from Russia. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has now lasted for 800 days, with both sides suffering significant casualties and no end in sight.

The attack comes as Russian forces made no gains around Avdiivka, with a possible shift in focus to the Chasiv Yar area. Ukraine has also rolled out a domestic drone defense system, while the US announced plans to upgrade Bradley IFVs for Ukraine and accused Russia of using banned chemical weapons.

Over the past two days, Russian missile strikes have killed eight people in Odesa. Ukraine estimates over 451,000 Russian military casualties, while Russia claims to have killed 444,000 Ukrainian soldiers, though these figures are disputed. As the war continues, Ukraine is seeking more weapons from its Western allies, while Russia remains firm in its conflict with its European neighbor despite growing international concerns and sanctions.

Key Takeaways

• Russian ballistic missile struck Odesa postal depot, injuring 14 people.
• Odesa, a vital Black Sea port, has been regularly targeted by Russian attacks.
• Russia-Ukraine war has lasted 800 days, with both sides suffering casualties.
• Recent Russian missile strikes in Odesa have killed 8 people over 2 days.
• Ukraine seeks more weapons from allies as Russia remains firm in the conflict.