Russian occupation forces launched another massive drone attack against the southern regions of Ukraine overnight on Friday, April 10. The primary targets of this aggressive aerial assault were the strategic port facilities and critical energy infrastructure of the Odesa region. This persistent bombardment underscores Moscow’s ongoing strategy to disrupt Ukraine’s vital maritime exports and destabilize the civilian energy grid.
According to an official statement released by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (AMPU), the attack caused notable damage to one of their branch facilities during the prolonged air raid alert. The powerful blast waves from the exploding drones damaged several empty storage tanks intended for vegetable oil, as well as an administrative building located within the port territory. The authority emphasized that, based on preliminary information, there were no casualties among the port personnel.
Furthermore, the blast waves negatively impacted nearby transport infrastructure. Fortunately, despite the intensity of the strikes, no large-scale fires were recorded at the port facilities. Specialized teams and structural engineers are currently working on-site to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage and plan the necessary recovery operations.
Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, confirmed the details of the strikes via his Telegram channel. He reported that the enemy kamikaze drones specifically targeted both the energy and port sectors of the region. The impact resulted in significant damage to infrastructure objects, which unfortunately led to power outages in several areas of the region. Kiper noted that localized fires broke out at the sites of the drone impacts, but rapid response units from the State Emergency Service promptly contained and extinguished the flames. He also reassured the public that no civilian injuries or fatalities were reported.
This regional attack was part of a broader, nationwide campaign of terror conducted by Russian forces that night. In total, the Russian military launched an unprecedented 128 strike drones across various regions of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force, working in tandem with mobile fire groups and anti-aircraft missile units, demonstrated exceptional efficiency by successfully intercepting and destroying 113 of these hostile aerial targets.
The situation in the Odesa region remains tense but under control. Energy utility crews are working tirelessly around the clock to repair the damaged grid and restore electricity to the affected households and critical enterprises. Local authorities continue to urge residents to heed air raid sirens and take immediate shelter during alerts, as the threat of further Russian drone and missile strikes remains high. The resilience of the local population and the swift response of emergency services are crucial in mitigating the fallout of such massive bombardments.