Russian forces struck Odesa while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the port. Zelenskyy reported casualties in the city and reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense systems.
Russian forces struck ???????? Odesa while President Zelenskyy met with Greek PM Mitsotakis.
A missile landed just 150 meters away, leaving no time to seek shelter. Zelenskyy confirmed casualties in the city and emphasized Ukraine's urgent need for air defense systems. pic.twitter.com/hpBlsIbUEF
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) March 6, 2024
“We witnessed this strike today. You can see who we are dealing with; they [Russians] don’t care where they hit. I know there were casualties today, though I don’t have all the details yet, but I know there are both dead and wounded,” said Zelenskyy.
According to the Greek newspaper Protothema, which cites government sources, the Russian missile landed just 150 meters from Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis, leaving no time to reach a shelter. Despite the attack, the meeting proceeded as planned.
The leaders held a press conference, which was not broadcast live for security reasons.
“We heard the sounds of sirens and explosions that occurred near us. We had no time to reach a shelter,” said Mitsotakis. “Today, when I was in Odesa and traveling around the city, I was shocked. It’s a terrible picture of destruction, but on the other hand, it also shows the indomitable spirit and bravery of the Ukrainians.”
Mitsotakis’ visit to Odesa was not officially announced.
On 5 February evening and night, Russian forces launched attack drones over Ukrainian territory, including in the direction of Odesa. Local authorities reported that falling debris from shot-down drones damaged a recreational facility, a gas pipeline, and one-family homes in Odesa Oblast.
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