Historic Odesa port under siege: Will Zelensky’s threat of retaliation quell the storm?

Following a missile strike by Russia on the historic port of Odesa that resulted in two fatalities and substantial damage to an Orthodox cathedral, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation.

He condemned the missile attack on peaceful areas, residential structures, and a religious edifice, promising that Russia will experience repercussions for their actions in Odesa.

The Ukrainian government reported that Russia launched 19 missiles on Odesa overnight. The attack resulted in at least two fatalities and 19 casualties, which included four children. The regional governor disclosed on Sunday (July 23) that the assault damaged residential and religious infrastructures.

Oleg Kiper, the regional governor, revealed the details of the attack via Telegram. He mentioned a civilian death due to Russia’s nighttime attack on Odesa. Previously, he reported 18 victims, including four children, from an attack initiated by Russia at 3:00 am (0000 GMT). He also informed that 14 people, three of whom were children, were admitted to the city’s hospitals. The attack caused severe damage to civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and a religious institution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promises retribution following Russian attack on Odesa. Photo courtesy of Konstantin Brizhnichenko/Wikimedia Commons.

After the attack, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, echoed Kyiv‘s plea for more defense systems and missiles. He emphasized the necessity to disarm the enemy of its capacity to target civilians and infrastructure.

Since the invasion began, Odesa has endured several bombardments. In January, the city’s historic center was classified as a World Heritage in Danger site by the United Nations Cultural Agency (UNESCO). Following Moscow’s withdrawal from a United Nations-brokered grain deal, Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities have faced regular Russian attacks.

Ukraine’s Air Force disclosed on its Telegram messaging app that Russia launched high-precision Onyx missiles along with sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles on Odesa after midnight on Sunday. The Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral, Odesa’s largest Orthodox church, sustained severe damages in the attacks.

On Sunday, Russia defended its actions by stating that all the intended targets in Odesa port were hit, accusing those sites of planning “terrorist acts” against Russia.