Get the latest on the shocking missile attack in Odesa, Ukraine, where seven people were wounded and historic buildings were damaged. The UN has strongly condemned the attack, which targeted a UNESCO World Heritage site. This incident is part of the ongoing conflict and continues to raise concerns about the safety of civilians and cultural landmarks.
Here’s a quick rundown of what happened:
- Seven people were wounded in a missile attack in Odesa.
- Historic buildings, including a UNESCO World Heritage site, were damaged.
- The UN has condemned the attack and is assessing the damage.
- The attack is part of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Odesa Hit by Russian Missile Strike
In a devastating turn of events, the beautiful city of Odesa, Ukraine, known for its stunning 19th-century architecture, was targeted by a Russian missile attack. The attack, which occurred recently, has left seven people wounded and caused significant damage to historical sites. The city, a key Black Sea port, has become a frequent target in the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations has condemned this act of aggression, particularly due to the damage to protected cultural landmarks.
UNESCO Condemns Attack on World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has voiced its strong condemnation of the attack. UNESCO has said the missile strike severely damaged at least two cultural buildings protected under its conventions. Their team is already working with Ukrainian authorities to document the damage and plan emergency interventions. This is not the first time that Odesa’s heritage has been threatened. In July 2023, the Transfiguration Cathedral, a historically significant building that was previously destroyed by the Soviets and rebuilt in the 2000s, was also heavily damaged by a Russian strike. This shows how deeply the conflict is affecting civilians and heritage alike.
Injuries and Rescue Efforts
According to regional governor Oleg Kiper, seven people were injured in the attack on the historical center of Odesa. Among those wounded, there were two women and a child. Fortunately, there were no reports of fatalities, but the rescue efforts were critical. Photos showed rescuers assisting a woman on a stretcher outside the historic Hotel Bristol. The building sustained damage to its facade, including a grand staircase.
Firefighters managed to rescue a woman who was trapped in one of the rooms and extinguished the fire on the roof. It was also reported that Norwegian diplomatic representatives were present at the location during the attack. The extent of the damage highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the conflict.
Historic Sites Damaged
The historic center of Odesa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has suffered major damage. Apart from the Hotel Bristol, a number of historical monuments also sustained considerable damage, including the Literary, Historical and Local Lore, Archaeological Museums, the Museum of Western and Eastern Art, and the Philharmonic. Windows were shattered and facades damaged.
Ukrainian media released photos of a large crater near the hotel, showing debris scattered everywhere, with masonry fallen and windows blown out. These images show just how close the attack was to the historical center of Odesa.
Russian Claims
Russian military bloggers have made unverified claims that foreign military specialists were staying at the hotel. This claim is typical of the disinformation that has come to characterize much of the conflict.
Ongoing Situation
The situation in Odesa remains tense. The constant threat of missile attacks not only endanger lives but also destroy the region’s cultural heritage. The international community watches this situation closely, seeking ways to support those who are affected and calling for an end to the conflict.
The destruction of cultural landmarks, as seen in Odesa, represents a significant loss to the world’s heritage, reminding us of the human cost of war.
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