UPDATE 2 - Ukraine says 2 killed, 15 injured in overnight Russian drone attack on Odesa

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY; MINOR EDITS

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine said on Thursday that at least two people were killed and 15 others injured in an overnight Russian drone attack on the country’s southwestern port city of Odesa.

"Residential high-rise buildings, private houses, a supermarket, a school and cars were damaged. Unfortunately, two people died, according to preliminary information, (and) another 15 people were injured," Ukraine's State Emergency Service said on Telegram.

The statement said fires broke out in areas where hits were recorded, but were quickly extinguished, adding that more than 200 people in one of the high-rise buildings were evacuated.

Earlier, Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper also said medical teams were providing all necessary assistance to those impacted by the attack.

“The elimination of the consequences of the strike continues. Tents are being deployed on the ground for additional assistance,” he added.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that for over 50 days Russia has been ignoring US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, and that Ukraine's own proposals were met with "new shelling and new assaults."

"That is why a strong push for diplomacy is needed – continued pressure on Russia is essential to force it into silence and negotiations. The more effective the sanctions, the more incentives Russia will have to end the war.

"The stronger Ukraine’s defense and our Air Defense Forces are, the more lives we will be able to save – and the sooner we will be able to guarantee lasting security," he said.

Ukraine’s Air Force claimed its air defenses shot down at least 74 out of 170 drones launched by Russia to attack the country, saying that the Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and Kyiv regions were also affected by the overnight attack.

Russian authorities have yet to comment on the claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing armed conflict, now in its fourth year.