Russian forces strike Kharkiv and Odesa

Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Odesa Tuesday, injuring at least 20.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on his Telegram channel that Russian forces had launched a missile strike at the city centre on Tuesday evening, injuring 17 civilians.

“Missile strikes on the city centre, where there is no military infrastructure, only residential buildings … Attacking the centre of Kharkiv is an act of pure terrorism,” Terekhov wrote.

Russian forces also attacked Odesa with drones overnight, Governor Oleh Kiper wrote Wednesday, adding that three people had been wounded. A residential building caught fire and 130 residents had to be evacuated.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that air defences had shot down seven Vilkha and four RM-70 Vampire rockets and six drones over Russia’s border region of Belgorod overnight.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said there were no injuries, but added that some homes had been damaged. A local Telegram channel wrote that a missile warning had been issued. Explosions were heard in the city overnight.