Russia's Cluster Bomb Attack on Odesa Kills 5, Injures Over 32

According to Odesa Region Governor Oleh Kiper, Russia used a ballistic missile with cluster munitions to hit one of the most crowded places in Odesa, a seaside area where people were walking with children, dogs, and playing sports. Such munitions are designed to pose a threat primarily to people, not to equipment or buildings.

Russia's deadly strike resulted in the deaths of 5 people and a dog, injuring at least 32 others.

“Unfortunately, the number of victims of yesterday’s Russian missile attack on Odesa has increased to 5 people. A man born in 1960 died in the hospital. My sincere condolences to family and friends…,” the Governor wrote, adding that another man died of a stroke caused by the attack. A dog was also killed during the strike.

One of the killed civilians turned out to be the Vice-Rector of educational and innovative development and economic activity Boris Vasiliev from the International Humanities University.

As of 10:00 p.m., 32 people were reported injured, including two children, aged 16 and 4, and a pregnant woman. By April 30, 23 of the wounded remain in the hospital, with 8 people in serious condition, and 4 in a critical state, including the young girl.

As a result of the shelling, a fire started in the famous Palace of Students of the National University “Odesa Law Academy”, also known as “Harry Potter’s Castle”.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to the families of the victims during his daily speech: “Unfortunately, there are fatalities in Odesa. My condolences to the families and friends. Many people have been wounded – all of them are receiving medical aid. Local services and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine responded immediately.”

On the same evening, April 29, Russia continued its relentless attacks by striking residential buildings in Kharkiv city with guided bombs. One man was reported injured.

Russia has recently intensified its attacks on both Odesa and Kharkiv, Ukraine's two largest cities after Kyiv. These attacks deliberately target residential sites and infrastructure. In late March, Russia destroyed all electrical substations in Kharkiv, severely disrupting power supplies.