At least six injured, including children, in Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine

International Desk, PNN

In a televised New Year address, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow believes it will ultimately be victorious in the war in Ukraine. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that while his country seeks peace, it will not come “at any cost.”

In a national address on Wednesday, Putin hailed Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine as “heroes of the nation” and called on the public to support them. Nearly four years after launching a full-scale military operation in February 2022, he said, “We trust you, and we also trust in our victory.”

However, given the ongoing peace talks and intense fighting, international analysts believe that the outcome of the war remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, in his New Year message, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Kyiv wants peace but will not sign any weak or disadvantageous agreement. He said, “We want an end to the war, but not an end to Ukraine. Yes, we are tired—but under no circumstances are we ready to surrender.”

Zelensky also noted that around 90 percent of the issues in the ongoing peace negotiations, mediated by the United States, have reached a consensus. However, the remaining 10 percent will determine the future of Ukraine and Europe.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that an attempted Ukrainian drone attack targeting President Putin’s residence in northwestern Novgorod was thwarted. According to the ministry, the air defense system shot down 91 drones. The ministry stated that no one was injured and the residence remained intact.

Ukraine has denied this claim, calling it a “baseless” and “fake” attempt. Kyiv asserts that Moscow is making such statements to disrupt the peace talks. European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, also described Russia’s claims as “unfounded.”

Amidst these developments, local authorities reported that at least six people, including children, were injured in a Russian drone attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa. Several residential buildings and power infrastructure were damaged in the attack. The electricity company DTEK stated that it will take time to repair the damaged facilities.

At the same time, Russian military leadership claimed that their forces are advancing in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Moscow stated that the operation aims to expand a so-called “buffer zone” near the border. However, Ukraine rejected this claim, saying it is merely an excuse for further territorial occupation.