Russian drone strikes ignite fires at Odesa’s radio market, dormitory PHOTO

The southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa came under attack overnight as Russian forces launched a wave of Shahed-type kamikaze drones, sparking multiple fires and damaging infrastructure, local officials said.

The assault began shortly after 01:30 a.m. local time on August 4, with Ukraine’s Air Force reporting the movement of Iranian-made Shahed drones over the Black Sea, heading toward the mainland. By 02:05 a.m., explosions were heard across Odesa, according to Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov, Caliber.Az reports, citing State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram. 

"The Shaheds were seen in central Odesa and the Peresyp district. Several fires broke out as a result of the strikes," Trukhanov said in a statement.

Firefighters, supported by local volunteers, managed to extinguish the blazes. The worst damage was reported at the city’s radio market, where dozens of trade pavilions selling electronics and household goods were destroyed. A large fire also broke out at an abandoned dormitory but was brought under control.

In the Odesa district, a private home was hit and partially damaged. The homeowner reportedly extinguished the fire himself.

No casualties have been reported.

By Sabina Mammadli