Norway Confirms Its Diplomats Were Caught in Russian Strike on Odesa

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that its diplomats were present in Odesa during a Russian missile strike on the evening of January 31. The confirmation follows statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to a statement provided to the Norwegian news agency NTB, the ministry reported that staff from the Norwegian embassy were in the affected area but remained unharmed.

“We can confirm that a major attack occurred in Odesa this evening (January 31), in the district where Norwegian embassy staff were present. They are safe,” the ministry stated.

The attack targeted the center of Odesa, causing damage to approximately 15 cultural heritage sites. Ukrainian officials reported that at least seven people were injured.

President Zelenskyy previously stated that among those in the impact zone were “Norwegian diplomatic representatives.”

On the evening of January 31, Russian forces launched a missile attack on Odesa’s historic center, causing significant damage to several buildings, including the Bristol Hotel. The explosion scattered debris across the city center, and shortly after, a second strike targeted the area.

According to local officials, at least two people were injured and transported to hospitals for medical care. The attack also caused destruction within the UNESCO World Heritage zone, including damage to a building under reinforced protection.