In a devastating attack on Friday, Russian missiles targeted the Black Sea port city of Odesa in Ukraine, resulting in the death of over a dozen people, including rescue workers. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault as "vile" and described it as a double-tap strike, where the second projectile hit the emergency service workers on the scene.

Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene of bodies covered by blankets strewn on the streets. Images from officials showed exhausted emergency service workers smeared with blood and dirt, battling to extinguish flames and treat their wounded colleagues. Local authorities reported that the aerial bombardments struck residential buildings, ambulances, and even a gas pipeline.

The attack left at least 20 people dead and another 73 wounded, including rescuers. Maria Slyzovska, who witnessed the horrifying incident, described the first strike as shattering her mother's home, leaving everything broken. She expressed her disbelief at the violence, stating, "We all live in the realities of this Russian roulette."

The city officials confirmed that the missiles used in the attack were Iskander missiles launched from the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Andriy Yermak, a presidential aide, called the attack a demonstration of "Russian terror" and a sign of the enemy's weakness.

There has been no immediate comment from Russia regarding the strikes. However, it is known that Russian forces have previously targeted Odesa with drones and missiles. The timing of the attack coincided with the presidential elections in Russia, where voting was also taking place in several occupied regions of Ukraine, further angering Kyiv.

This recent attack follows a series of fatal barrages between Kyiv and Moscow. Just days earlier, a dozen people, including five children, lost their lives when a Russian drone hit an apartment block in Odesa. Moreover, Russian drone strikes killed two people in the central Ukrainian region of Vinnytsia, while shelling in the Zaporizhzhia region resulted in the death of a woman.

In response to the deadly attacks, Ukrainian Governor Ivan Fedorov accused Russia of attempting to break through and gain further ground in the region. The head of Ukraine's army, Oleksandr Syrsky, highlighted the concentrated efforts by the enemy to advance in the area.

The escalating violence near Russia's border follows its capture of the city of Avdiivka last month, aimed at pushing back Ukrainian forces to protect residents in the controlled areas from shelling. The situation remains tense as clashes between Kyiv and Moscow continue to claim innocent lives.

As the attacks persist, International communities are expressing their concern about the deteriorating situation and urging for a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed.