Terror by the sea: Russian strike on Odessa claimed the lives of 8 civilians

On December 19, 2025, Russia launched a missile strike on the port infrastructure of Odessa in southern Ukraine. According to local rescue services, eight people were killed, and another 27 were injured. Some of the victims were in a bus that was in the impact zone and exploded as a result of the attack.

Local sources confirmed that ballistic missiles were used for the strike. The attack was carried out during the day — at a time when there were many civilians on the port’s territory.

What is known about the consequences

Rescuers report severe injuries among some of the victims. Several buildings in the port were seriously damaged, with destruction and traces of powerful explosions recorded.

Work on clearing the debris and providing assistance continued for many hours. Medical and emergency services were put on high alert.

Moscow’s version and Kyiv’s response

The Russian side traditionally claimed that the strike was allegedly aimed at infrastructure and energy facilities “used by the Ukrainian military.”

Ukrainian authorities rejected this claim, emphasizing: it was an attack on a civilian facility, resulting in the deaths of civilians. Kyiv considers the incident another act of terror against the civilian population.

Reaction on the ground

Residents of Odessa were shocked by the incident. The city expresses condolences to the families of the victims, and authorities urged residents to observe safety measures and closely follow official announcements.

For many, the strike on the port was further confirmation that no civilian facility in Ukraine can be considered safe.

Broader context of the war

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has regularly struck Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure — ports, residential areas, energy facilities, and transport.

Such attacks have repeatedly been recorded by international observers and human rights organizations as violations of international humanitarian law.

International reaction

The international community once again condemned the strike on Odessa. Human rights organizations and representatives of several countries called for an investigation and holding those responsible accountable.

Several countries expressed solidarity with Ukraine and reminded that attacks on civilian facilities are war crimes, regardless of the stated objectives.

A war without pauses

Amid ongoing hostilities, the situation in Ukraine remains extremely tense. Ukrainian forces are holding their positions, and the civilian population is increasingly becoming a direct target of strikes.

Support for Ukraine — military, humanitarian, and political — remains a key topic on the international agenda, including for Israel, which is consistently reflected in the editorial line of NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.