Odessa, a key Ukrainian Black Sea port city, was struck by a Russian missile attack that resulted in at least 20 deaths and scores of injuries. The attack, which took place on Friday, utilized a “double tap” tactic—a method characterized by launching a secondary strike to target first responders attending to the initial attack.Â
The first missile hit civilian infrastructure in Odessa around 11 a.m. local time, causing a fire and immediate casualties. Ukrainian emergency services responded promptly, but as they conducted rescue operations, a second missile was launched, causing further devastation. Among the fatalities were eight rescue workers, including 25-year-old Denys Kolesnikov, a firefighter from Odessa.
The attacks have caused significant damage to Odessa, disrupting its role as a crucial hub for Ukraine’s grain exports and naval operations. This recent strike comes after previous close calls, including an incident involving Ukrainian President Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
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