Ongoing rescue efforts uncover more victims, including children, as Ukraine calls for increased Western support for air defences
The tragic aftermath of a Russian drone strike on the southern port city of Odesa, Ukraine, has escalated, with the death toll now reaching 10. This devastating event unfolded on Saturday, marking another grim chapter in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Rescue operations at the site of the demolished apartment block have been ceaseless. By Sunday morning, emergency teams had discovered the lifeless bodies of an infant alongside their mother, tragically increasing the count of children lost to three. The Interior Ministry of Ukraine shared the harrowing details of the scene, revealing that the mother had attempted to shield her 8-month-old child with her body in a final act of protection.
The assault, attributed to an Iranian-made Shahed drone, is part of a series of relentless drone attacks launched by Russia against Ukraine. These drones have become a symbol of the widespread devastation affecting countless lives across the nation.
The heartache deepened with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement of the deaths of two more children, bringing personal tragedies into the public eye. Amidst this sorrow, Zelenskyy has made a fervent appeal to Western allies, urging them to bolster Ukraine’s air defence capabilities to prevent further loss and suffering.
As rescue efforts persist, with fears that more individuals remain trapped beneath the debris, the community and the nation mourn. Odesa’s local authorities have declared a day of mourning in honour of the victims, reflecting the widespread grief and solidarity with the affected families.
The broader ramifications of the attack stretch beyond Odesa, with reports of additional casualties in other parts of Ukraine due to Russian shelling and artillery strikes. These incidents underscore the dire situation in Ukraine as it enters the third year of conflict, with the call for international support becoming increasingly urgent.
Zelenskyy’s plea highlights the critical need for timely assistance and the dire consequences of delay. With a significant aid package from the United States pending, the urgency for resources to defend and protect Ukrainian lives has never been more pressing.
