Ukraine updates: Kyiv says Russian strike on Odesa kills 20

Ukraine updates: Kyiv says Russian strike on Odesa kills 20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia would receive a "fair response" after the death toll from a "vile" twin missile strike on the Black Sea port city of Odesa rose to at least 20, with at least 75 more people injured.

After a first missile struck homes in the port city, a second missile several minutes later targeted first responders who arrived at the scene, officials said.

At least one paramedic and an emergency service worker are reportedly among the dead, houses and emergency equipment have been damaged and some residents were left without gas and electricity.

Images released from the scene showed bodies covered with blankets and pools of blood smeared on the pavement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said rescue efforts are ongoing after a "vile strike" on Odesa. Meanwhile, UN investigators have found evidence of war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, UN investigators have found fresh evidence of widespread abuses committed by Russia in Ukraine.

The high-level Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the rights situation in Ukraine since the Russian invasion said Moscow was still committing war crimes and serious rights violations, including "systematic" torture and rape.

"The evidence shows that Russian authorities have committed violation of international human rights and international humanitarian law and corresponding war crimes," COI chief Erik Mose told reports.

Skip next section Zelenskyy promises 'fair response' as Odesa blast death toll rises to 20
7 hours ago7 hours ago
Zelenskyy promises 'fair response' as Odesa blast death toll rises to 20
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia would receive a "fair response" after the death toll from a "vile" twin missile strike on the Black Sea port city of Odesa rose to at least 20, with at least 75 more people injured.

After a first missile struck homes in the port city, a second missile several minutes later targeted first responders who arrived at the scene, officials said.

At least one paramedic and an emergency service worker are reportedly among the dead, houses and emergency equipment have been damaged and some residents were left without gas and electricity.

Ukrainian firefighters carry an injured manUkrainian firefighters carry an injured man
Rescue workers responding to the first strike were exposed to a second strikeImage: Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP/picture alliance
"Our Defense Forces will certainly do everything to ensure that the Russian killers feel our fair response," Zelenskyy said in an evening address posted on the Telegram messaging app.

The tactic of firing a second missile at the same location, aiming to hit rescuers, is known in military terms as a double tap. Such
strikes often hit civilians.

"Two missiles, and the second one when rescuers and doctors arrived at the site of the strike," Zelensky said in a statement online. "Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in Odesa after the Russian missile attack. A very vile strike by these scum."

Russia has yet to comment on the strikes.

Regional Governor Oleh Kiper announced that a day of mourning in Odesa would be held on Saturday, the second such observance in less than two weeks.
On March 2, a Russian drone struck a multi-story building in the city, killing 12 people, including five children.
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