Three children, including a baby, hurt in Russia’s drone attack on Odesa on New Year’s Eve

Russian drones swarmed Ukraine overnight on 31 December in one of the largest single-day assaults of the war, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Explosions, blackouts, and civilian injuries were reported in Odesa and Kyiv Oblast, as dozens of Shaheds and other drones broke through defenses despite a massive interception effort.

Over 100 drones downed, but strikes still hit 11 locations

Russia launched 127 attack drones at Ukraine overnight starting at 6:00 p.m. on 30 December. The attack included Shahed, Gerbera, and other types of UAVs, launched from Russian regions including Kursk, Oryol, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from Chauda in occupied Crimea.

Ukraine’s Air Force said that 101 drones were downed or suppressed by a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare teams, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups. Despite this, 20 drones hit targets in 11 different locations across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine.

Odesa: Six injured, including baby, during New Year’s Eve drone strike

Odesa was among the hardest-hit cities. According to Odesa Oblast Military Administration, six people were injured in the Russian attack — three adults and three children, including a seven-month-old baby who suffered inhalation poisoning. All minors and two adults were hospitalized; one adult was in serious condition, others in moderate condition.

Authorities said two families were hurt in the strike, which damaged four multi-story apartment buildings, at least 14 vehicles, and private garages. Fires broke out in several apartments. Explosions were heard in the city during the air raid alert, which lasted from 11:31 p.m. to 1:29 a.m. Drones reportedly approached from Mykolaiv Oblast and were headed toward Odesa and Chornomorsk.

The strike also caused blackouts in parts of the city. Repairs were ongoing at some critical infrastructure sites, leaving some residents temporarily without water or heat.

Civilian vessels attacked in Odesa Oblast the day before

On 30 December, Russia used drones to attack two civilian ships sailing under Panama’s flag in Odesa Oblast. The Ukrainian Navy reported that the bulk carriers Emmakris III and Captain Karam were hit. The latter was entering a Ukrainian port to load wheat when it was struck. 

Drone strike hits Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast

Kyiv Oblast also came under attack overnight on 31 December. Two residents of Bila Tserkva were injured in the drone strike, according to Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration.

A 61-year-old man suffered shrapnel wounds to his hand and head. A 48-year-old woman experienced an acute stress reaction. Both were treated at the scene without hospitalization. The strike damaged two residential buildings — breaking windows and destroying balconies.

Kalashnyk said local authorities were working urgently to assist residents, especially to insulate homes amid freezing temperatures.