On December 12, 2023, Russian troops launched a renewed attack on the Odesa region, particularly the port city of Chornomorsk, where infrastructure facilities and emergency service equipment were damaged due to shelling. According to the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleg Kiper, during active work of air defense, the occupiers struck again, causing a fire at the port facilities.
The press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that during the firefighting efforts, their equipment became a target for a second strike. At the same time, firefighters managed to reach shelter and avoid casualties. It is possible that the shelling was aimed at an emergency service fire truck that rescuers used to extinguish a fire that occurred earlier due to the attacks.
Details of the attacks
Russian troops used ballistic missiles and drones to strike Odesa and its outskirts. As a result of the shelling, not only were port facilities damaged, but also a civilian ship belonging to a Turkish company that was in the port of Chornomorsk, and it was reported that there was one injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on this attack, emphasizing that the actions of Russian troops, “like many other similar attacks, make no military sense.” He pointed out the unacceptable nature of waging a war that destroys the ordinary lives of Ukrainians.
The international community, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, expressed concern over the attacks on civilian vessels.
Public and government response
Currently, there is no information about casualties or injuries. However, the situation remains tense, and rescuers continue to work in the emergency zone.
In response to these events, the Ukrainian authorities urge the international community to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against aggression from Russia.
