Russian strikes on Odesa injure at least 35, Yastremska says family apartment hit
Russia attacked Odesa on September 12, 2026, using ballistic and cruise missiles and combat drones, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure. Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska said an apartment belonging to her family was hit by a Russian missile. At least 35 people were reported injured, with two more missing, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha used the attack to appeal for additional air defense and stronger sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex.
Key points
- Russia struck Odesa on September 12, 2026, with ballistic and cruise missiles and combat drones.
- At least 35 civilians were reported injured, with two more missing.
- Residential buildings and infrastructure in Odesa sustained damage; details were still being clarified.
- Tennis player Dayana Yastremska said an apartment belonging to her family in Odesa was directly hit by a Kalibr cruise missile.
- Yastremska, 26 and ranked WTA No. 113, is a native of Odesa and former world No. 21.
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on partners to provide additional air defense systems and interceptors.
- Sybiha also called for tougher sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex.
Why it matters
The attack produced at least 35 civilian injuries, with two people still unaccounted for, and damaged residential buildings and infrastructure in Odesa. It highlights the continuing impact of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and prompted Ukraine's foreign minister to renew appeals for air defense systems and sanctions.
What happened
Russia carried out strikes on Odesa during the day on September 12, 2026, following an earlier nighttime massed attack on the city and surrounding areas using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as combat drones. Residential buildings, including multi-story apartment blocks, and infrastructure in Odesa sustained serious damage. Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska reported on Instagram that a Kalibr cruise missile struck an apartment belonging to her family. At least 35 people were reported injured and two more were said to be out of contact. Details of the attack and its possible consequences were still being clarified at the time of publication. Earlier, a padel club belonging to fellow Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina in Kyiv was reported damaged by a Russian strike.
Background
The reported strikes are part of a broader pattern of Russian attacks on Odesa and the surrounding region during the war, including massed nighttime attacks combining ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and combat drones against residential and infrastructure targets.