21 killed in missile strikes on residential area in Ukraine's Odess

21 killed in missile strikes on residential area in Ukraine's Odess

21 killed in missile strikes on residential area in Ukraine's Odess

Kyiv : Russian missile attacks on residential areas killed at least 21 persons early Friday near the Ukrainian port of Odesa, authorities reported, a day after the withdrawal of Moscow’s forces from an island in Black Sea seemed to ease the threat to the city.

A video of the attack before daybreak showed the charred ruins of buildings in the small town of Serhiivka, about 50 km from Odesa.

The Ukrainian President’s office said three Kh-22 missiles fired by warplanes struck an apartment building and a campsite.

The Ukrainian authorities interpreted the attack as payback for Russian troops being forced away from Snake Island a day earlier, though Moscow portrayed their departure as a “goodwill gesture” to help unblock exports of grain from the country.

Odesa is Ukraine’s biggest port and the headquarters of its navy. — AP