Russian strikes kill 28 in Ukraine's Odessa region in July as war with Ukraine intensifies
The regional governor says Odessa has come under daily Russian attacks this month, with some days seeing up to 15 air raid alerts as Kiev intensifies drone strikes deep inside Russia.
Russian strikes kill 28 in Ukraine's Odessa region in July as war with Ukraine intensifies
Firefighters work at the site of a car repair garage which was hit by a morning Russian missile strike in Odesa, Ukraine on July 17 2026 (Photo: FILE) / Reuters

Russian strikes have killed 28 people in Ukraine's southern Odessa region since the beginning of July, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on Monday.

"The Odessa region has been under constant daily shelling since the beginning of July. There were days when 13 to 15 air raid alerts were announced in the region," Kiper told Ukrainian television.

More than four years into the war, the front lines remain largely static as Russia and Ukraine continue to strike each other's cities, energy infrastructure and maritime assets.

Ukraine launches major drone attack

On July 19, Ukraine launched more than 400 drones overnight at the Moscow region, extending its attacks deeper into Russian territory.

Kiev has stepped up strikes inside Russia in recent months, describing them as retaliation for more than four years of Russian attacks on Ukraine.

A fire was reported at a warehouse belonging to Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, in the nearby town of Kolyedino. Monitoring channels said one of the company's fulfilment centres had been hit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operation, saying Kiev had struck logistics facilities and an oil depot in the Moscow region, more than 400 kilometres (248 miles) from Ukraine's border.

"We are responding, justly, to every Russian strike against our cities and communities," he wrote on X, adding that Ukraine had also hit two "shadow fleet" tankers and four cargo ships in the Black Sea.

RelatedTRT World - Ukraine targets Moscow region in mass drone attack, oil depot reportedly hit

No peace talks in sight

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on July 16 there was no immediate prospect of resuming peace talks with Ukraine, although Russia remained open to negotiations.

Three short rounds of peace talks were held in Istanbul in 2025, followed by two rounds in Abu Dhabi and one in Geneva earlier this year under US mediation.

However, negotiations stalled in February as Washington shifted its focus to the conflict with Iran.

Ukraine has long called for a ceasefire, which Russia has rejected. Moscow says it seeks a permanent settlement rather than a temporary truce, arguing that a ceasefire would give Ukraine time to regroup.

RelatedTRT World - Russia thanks Türkiye for willingness to facilitate Ukraine settlement
SOURCE:Reuters