1/3
July 20 (UPI) — Russian forces launched strikes against Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Odessa early on Thursday, injuring at least 27 people and resulting in the deaths of at least three.
The Ukrainian military reports that air defenses successfully shot down five out of 19 cruise missiles and 13 out of 19 drones that were fired.
“Odessa. Mykolaiv. Russian terrorists continue their attempts to destroy the life of our country. Unfortunately, there are wounded and dead… My condolences to the families and friends. But the evil state has no missiles that are more powerful than our will to save lives, support each other and win,” tweeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.
According to the Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, a three-story building in Mykolaiv was hit during the strikes, resulting in 19 injuries. Authorities also confirmed the recovery of a man’s body from the building.
“Yes, the rescuers have recovered the man’s body from under the rubble. Now they are looking for one more person,” said Ilania Patsiuk, the spokesperson for the Mykolaiv region’s State Emergency Services.
In Odessa, an administrative building was destroyed, private residences were damaged, four people were injured, and a security guard was killed. The regional governor also reported damage to the Chinese consulate in the city.
In Kharkiv, one person was killed in the strikes.
After withdrawing from the Black Sea Initiative on Monday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a thinly veiled threat against shipping.
“With the expiration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, all vessels heading for Ukrainian ports via the Black Sea will be regarded as potential carriers of military cargo as of 12 a.m. (msk) July 20, 2023,” the Russian MFA tweeted on Wednesday.
Zelensky expressed support for the workers at the port amid the violence.
“I am grateful to the port workers who do their best to preserve our infrastructure! To the builders and repair teams who help people restore normal living conditions! Together we will make it through this terrible time. And we will withstand the attacks of Russian evil,” he said.
