On Monday, a Russian missile attack on an educational institution known locally as ‘Harry Potter castle’ in the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa claimed the lives of at least five individuals and left 32 others injured. The attack, which took place in a popular seafront park, is another instance of the ongoing conflict where civilian structures have been targeted.
The building, which serves as the residence for prominent former MP Serhiy Kivalov, was struck by a missile, injuring Kivalov himself. According to regional governor Oleh Kiper, one of the deaths was attributed to a man who suffered a stroke following the strike. Eight of the injured are in serious condition, including a four-year-old child; the injured also include another child and a pregnant woman. Governor Kiper stated, “Our doctors are trying to do their best,” as medical teams work to manage the casualties.
This incident is part of a wider pattern of increased bombardment within Ukraine, coinciding with the country’s reported shortages in air defense capabilities. According to a UN report, civilian casualties in March saw a significant rise, with missile and aerial strikes causing more harm nationwide. The report cites Russia’s focus on targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure to cause blackouts.
Among the dead in the Odesa strike were three women and one man, with a fifth casualty later confirmed. The missile used in the attack reportedly contained cluster munitions, explaining the high number of casualties. Many of the injured were simply walking in the nearby green area when the missile struck. These weapons are designed to cause maximum harm to personnel rather than equipment and are particularly deadly in civilian populated areas.
The attack not only led to human casualties but also claimed the life of a dog and caused extensive property damage. A fire ignited by the strike was eventually extinguished by firefighters, while the prosecutor’s office has announced an investigation into the missile attack for violating the laws and customs of war.
The Odesa strike has attracted international attention as well. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, made an unannounced visit to Ukraine recently and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and First Lady Olena Zelenska to express solidarity with those affected by the war.
In related developments, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, during his visit to Kyiv, highlighted the impact of delays in support from Nato countries, stating, “Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield.
Relevant articles:
– Russia-Ukraine war: Odesa’s ‘Harry Potter castle’ hit in Russian missile attack that killed five – as it happened , The Guardian, 04/30/2024
– Missile With Cluster Munitions Hits Harry Potter Castle – Ukraine at War Update for April 30, Kyiv Post, 04/30/2024
– Russia Destroys ‘Harry Potter Castle’ on Odesa Seaside With Missile Strike, Killing at Least 5 People, Kyiv Post, 04/30/2024
– Ukraine war latest: Attack on Odesa kills 4, injures 29, Kyiv Independent, 04/29/2024