Rescuers search for victims after Russian drone strike on an apartment block in Odesa in southern Ukraine, March 2, 2024

Saturday’s Coverage: 3 Killed, 8+ Injured in Russian Drone Attack on Odesa

Map: Institute for the Study of War

UPDATE 0816 GMT:

The death toll has risen to 10 from Saturday’s Russian drone attack on an apartment block in Odesa, with the discovery of more bodies under rubble.

The latest victim is an infant found near a slain woman.

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appealed to the international community for help with air defenses after Russia’s drone strike killed five civilians, including a baby and a child, in Odesa in the south of the country.

An Iran-type attack drone hit the ninth floor of an apartment building at 12:30 a.m. Saturday. Two people were killed immediately, and the toll rose throughout the day as rescuers found bodies in the rubble.

Among them were 4-month-old Tymofiy and Mark, almost 3 years old. At least eight others, including a 3-year-old girl, are injured, and about 10 are still missing. Almost 100 rescuers continued the search and recovery operation overnight.

In his nightly address to the nation, Zelenskiy said:

Ukraine has never requested anything more than what is necessary to protect lives. And when lives are lost while partners drown in political games or discussions that limit our defense, it is incomprehensible and inconceivable.