Russia strikes southern Ukraine, fires erupt in Odesa, Kherson PHOTO

Southern Ukraine faced renewed Russian attacks, causing fires in both Odesa and Kherson regions.

In Odesa, Russian strikes ignited blazes at energy infrastructure sites, which were successfully extinguished, Caliber.Az reports via Ukraine's State Emergency Service.

Two private homes and an administrative building were damaged, but no casualties were reported.

Firefighting efforts involved over 50 rescuers, 13 vehicles, and a specialised firefighting train operated by Ukraine's state railway company.

In Kherson, a residential building caught fire following Russian shelling.

Despite the risk of further attacks, emergency services quickly brought the fire under control, and no injuries occurred.

Russia keeps stepping up long-range attacks on Ukraine, especially on the energy grid and civilian infrastructure.

Between June and November 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Office (HRMMU) documented a dramatic rise in civilian casualties and widespread damage to homes, hospitals and utilities.

Russian raids — often using drones, missiles or loitering munitions — have repeatedly targeted power plants, transmission lines and heating systems.

In the winter of 2025, this has led to prolonged electricity, heating and water outages across large parts of Ukraine, putting civilians under severe hardship.

By Jeyhun Aghazada