Russian forces launch missile attack on historic centre of Ukraine’s Odesa

Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said two people were injured in the attack and taken to hospital.

Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said two large explosions had resounded in the city in the early evening.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack underscored again the importance of improving air defences.

“Strikes directly on the city, on ordinary civilian buildings,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. “Again and again, air defence is the top priority. We are working with all our partners to provide more protection for our country.”

Zelenskyy said a meeting of Ukraine’s command had focused on improving weapons systems and speeding up deliveries.

“We need faster deliveries and greater numbers of systems and weapons which will enable us to save the lives of more of our soldiers, our people,” he said.

“More orders for drones. More investments for the development of robotic systems. And more orders for basic weapons.”