Missile shelling of Odesa and explosion of the occupation mayor's house in Oleshky: highlights of July 23

Missile attack on Odesa

Russian troops launched a missile attack on Odesa Oblast on the night of July 23, using 19 missiles of five types. The Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed nine air targets. One civilian was reported dead. According to the President's Office, 21 people were injured, including four children.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the missile attack and promised that the enemy would receive a “response”. According to the head of state, a Russian Kh-22 anti-ship missile hit the altar of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa.

As a result of the attack, six residential buildings were destroyed, including apartment buildings. Dozens of cars were damaged. Windows were smashed in many buildings, roofs and facades were damaged.

The Ministry of Culture noted that as a result of this shelling, 29 monuments of cultural heritage of national and local significance were preliminarily damaged.

UNESCO and UN response to the shelling of Odesa

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stated that it is “deeply dismayed and condemns in the strongest terms the brazen attack carried out by Russian forces”. Director-General Audrey Azoulay added that this is an escalation of violence against Ukraine's cultural heritage.

“UNESCO will continue to engage with the World Heritage site managers, local and national authorities to identify urgent needs for assistance,” the organization said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ukraine condemned the strikes on Odesa but did not mention that Russia had done it by firing missiles at the city.

Destruction of the house of a Russian appointee

In the temporarily occupied Oleshky, an explosion occurred on the land plot of Heorhiy Zhuravko, who was appointed "head of the town" by the occupiers, the Kherson-based publication MOST wrote, citing local Telegram channels. The incident occurred on the evening of July 22. However, it is not known whether Zhuravko was at home at the time.

The media outlet notes that local resources reported an explosion at 165 Krylova Street, a land plot and real estate on it registered to Zhuravko. One of the Kherson Telegram channels posted a photo of the destroyed building and claimed that it was the result of an attack on the occupation mayor's home.

Possible return of Ukrainian athletes

Ukraine is considering the possibility of Ukrainian athletes participating in all qualifying competitions for the 2024 Olympics if Russians and Belarusians are there under a neutral flag, Ukrainian Minister of Youth and Sports Vadym Hutzait said. He hopes that the final decision will be announced soon.