Overnight Russian attacks struck Odesa’s historic center and residential areas in Cherkasy, damaging UNESCO-listed landmarks, setting fire to one of Europe’s oldest markets, and injuring civilians, including a child.

The assault follows a third round of Russia–Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, which ended without major breakthroughs. As diplomatic progress stalls, Russian aerial attacks have intensified, targeting urban centers with drones and missiles.

Pryvoz market in flames, UNESCO sites damaged

In Odesa, a Russian drone strike ignited a fire at the iconic Pryvoz Market, severely damaging its two-story building and nearby pavilions. The State Emergency Service (SES) released footage showing flames consuming parts of the structure.

“Pryvoz is not just a market. It’s the heart of Odesa,” SES responders said.

The attack also hit several architectural landmarks in the city’s UNESCO-protected historic center. Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov confirmed damage to the famous Primorsky Boulevard, posting images of rubble and broken masonry.

“This is what the world-famous boulevard looks like after the enemy’s attack,” he wrote.

Residential building hit, evacuations ordered

A separate strike hit a nine-story apartment block, setting fire to upper floors and displacing residents from the 5th to 8th floors. Emergency crews warned of a possible structural collapse.

As of Thursday morning, three people were injured in Odesa. Firefighting and recovery operations continue across several sites.

Shrapnel missile attack in Cherkasy injures seven

In Cherkasy, Russian forces launched Iskander-K missiles equipped with shrapnel warheads, wounding seven people, including a nine-year-old girl. The blast damaged at least 15 high-rise buildings, nine two-story apartment blocks, and a local cemetery, according to regional officials.

“The shrapnel had a kill radius of up to a kilometer,” Governor Ihor Taburets told Suspilne. “Two impact zones were recorded, both in residential areas.”

Most injuries were minor. Three victims were hospitalized; none are in critical condition.

“The child was injured by broken glass and doors,” Taburets noted.

Scale of the attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that during the night, Russian forces launched a total of 103 drones, the majority of which were Iranian-made Shahed models, along with four missiles. The scale and intensity of the assault reflect a continued escalation, despite parallel diplomatic efforts.