On the 1st (local time), Russia carried out a large-scale drone attack on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, resulting in at least 2 deaths and 5 injuries. This attack occurred immediately after the U.S. and Ukrainian governments signed a mineral agreement on the 30th (local time).
According to reports from foreign media such as Reuters and BBC, Oleg Kiper, the governor of Odesa, stated on Telegram that "The enemy is attacking Odesa with drones," and noted that "Civil facilities, especially dwellings, have suffered significant damage."
The video he posted on Telegram showed local high-rise buildings collapsing, storefront windows shattering, and rescue workers extinguishing fires. The Ukrainian state railway company reported that the attack damaged freight trains, communication networks, and tracks, and emergency repair work is underway.
Odesa, located on the Black Sea, is a port city with a population of about 1 million and is considered a strategic hub. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has repeatedly attacked Odesa. It is reported that Russia also used drones to attack gas stations in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city located in the northeast.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that overnight, Russia launched 5 ballistic missiles and 170 drones.
This attack occurred shortly after the U.S. entered into an agreement with Ukraine regarding the joint development of energy and mineral resources. While the agreement did not include specific security guarantees for Ukraine, it is said to contain favorable terms for Ukraine, specifying a strategic partnership with the U.S. while omitting issues related to compensation.
In this agreement, the U.S. explicitly identified the cause of the Ukraine war as "Russia's invasion," while also keeping the possibility of military aid open, demonstrating a close alignment with Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a ceasefire during the World War II victory anniversary (Victory Day) holiday from the 8th to the 10th on the 28th. However, it is reported that ahead of the ceasefire, fighting intensity is being increased at the eastern frontline of Ukraine.