- The serene coastal city of Odesa, Ukraine, was shattered by the deafening roar of a Russian missile that tore through an educational institution the “Harry Potter castle”.
- This architectural gem, with its enchanting resemblance to a Scottish baronial pile, stood as a testament to the region’s rich heritage and commitment to education.
- At least five lives lost, and 32 others left grievously wounded.
- Among the casualties was one man who tragically succumbed to a stroke triggered by the shock of the strike.
- The injured, including a 4-year-old child and a pregnant woman, were rushed to hospitals.
- According to Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, the strike was carried out by an Iskander-M ballistic missile armed with a cluster warhead.
- Meanwhile, as tensions escalate on both sides, Ukraine retaliates with its own show of force, launching drones on several Russian regions in a bid to deter further attacks.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a fervent plea for increased military assistance from international allies, particularly the United States.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the serene coastal city of Odesa, Ukraine, was shattered by the deafening roar of a Russian missile that tore through an educational institution affectionately dubbed the “Harry Potter castle” by locals. This architectural gem, with its enchanting resemblance to a Scottish baronial pile, stood as a testament to the region’s rich heritage and commitment to education. Yet, on a fateful Monday, its halls echoed not with the laughter of students but with the anguished cries of victims and the roar of flames.
The toll of destruction was staggering: at least five lives lost, and 32 others left grievously wounded. Among the casualties was one man who tragically succumbed to a stroke triggered by the shock of the strike. The injured, including a 4-year-old child and a pregnant woman, were rushed to hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients, their futures uncertain in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
As the smoke cleared and the full extent of the devastation became apparent, Odesa’s grief turned to outrage. Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov, grappling with the enormity of the tragedy, minced no words in condemning the perpetrators as “monsters” and “savages.” His impassioned words reverberated through the city streets, where shattered remnants of the once-proud institution lay scattered amidst pools of blood and twisted metal.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of horror as the missile struck with deadly precision, engulfing the castle in flames and reducing it to a smoldering ruin. Maria, a student at the academy, recalled the terror of witnessing the attack first-hand, her voice trembling as she recounted the harrowing ordeal to reporters.
In the aftermath of the assault, Ukrainian authorities wasted no time in launching an investigation into the heinous act. According to Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, the strike was carried out by an Iskander-M ballistic missile armed with a cluster warhead, leaving little doubt as to the malicious intent behind the attack. Among the injured was Serhiy Kivalov, the academy’s president and a prominent former member of parliament, further underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
Sadly, the tragedy in Odesa is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of aggression targeting the city’s vital infrastructure. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has vowed to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice, asserting that those responsible for this brazen act of violence will be held to account.
Meanwhile, as tensions escalate on both sides, Ukraine retaliates with its own show of force, launching drones on several Russian regions in a bid to deter further attacks. While no injuries were reported in these strikes, they serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the conflict and the ever-present threat of escalation.
In the face of mounting adversity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a fervent plea for increased military assistance from international allies, particularly the United States. With Russian forces advancing on multiple fronts, Zelenskyy emphasizes the urgent need for reinforcements to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and deter further aggression.
As the world watches with bated breath, the fate of Odesa hangs in the balance, its streets scarred by violence but its spirit unbroken. In the midst of tragedy, the resilient people of Odesa stand united in their determination to rebuild, their resolve unshakeable in the face of adversity.
(With inputs from agencies)
