Russian Drone Strike Damages Odesa’s Novomiske Cemetery, Destroying Dozens of Graves

Russian forces damaged the Novomiske (Tairovske) Cemetery during its massive attack on Odesa, Ukraine, the city council reported on March 21.

Damage has been recorded in multiple sections, where burials mostly took place between 1974 and 2010.

According to preliminary data, 50 graves have been damaged, with 30 of them completely destroyed.

Under the procedural guidance of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office, a pre-trial investigation has been launched into the commission of war crimes.

The examination is ongoing, and a full list of the damages and destruction is being compiled. Prosecutors, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, are documenting the consequences of Russia’s attack.

Czech President Petr Pavel was visiting Odesa on March 20, the same day Russia launched the massive drone attack on the city and surrounding region.

On the evening of March 20, the Russian forces hit Odesa with strike drones. The attack injured at least three people and caused large fires, including in a shopping center, stores, and damaged an apartment building and cars.

Save the people and the environment

Donate towards demining equipment to help clear Ukrainian land from Russian explosive ordnance.

DONATE TO DEMINE