Russian Strike Hits Shopping Center in Odesa Region, Triggering Major Fire

A shopping center in Ukraine's Odesa region was struck by a Russian attack on the morning of September 23, Ukrainian outlet Ukrinform reported. The strike set off a large fire at the site of the attack.

Details on casualties and the extent of the damage were not immediately available. Local authorities and emergency crews were reported to be responding to the blaze following the strike.

Continued strikes on southern Ukraine

The Odesa region, a key Black Sea port area, has been a recurring target of Russian strikes since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The region's port facilities, energy infrastructure and, at times, civilian and commercial buildings have come under repeated attack over the course of the war.

Ukrainian officials have regularly said that strikes on non-military sites, including retail and residential buildings, illustrate a broader campaign against civilian areas away from the active front lines. Russian officials have consistently said their forces strike targets they describe as linked to Ukraine's military effort.

The attack on the shopping center adds to a string of reported strikes across Ukraine in recent days. As of the latest reports, Ukrainian authorities had not released a full damage assessment or confirmed whether anyone was injured in the incident.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available.