The port city of Odesa in Ukraine experienced a renewed Russian missile attack in the early hours of Sunday, just prior to President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled summit with Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko in Saint Petersburg. The two leaders are set to discuss the “strategic partnership and alliance” between their nations, as stated by the Kremlin.

The missile strikes on Odesa came amid an ongoing conflict that has seen the city repeatedly targeted since the invasion began. According to Oleg Kiper, the regional governor, one civilian lost their life in the nighttime terrorist attack by Russian forces, while 18 others, including four children, were injured.

The Ukrainian Southern Operational Command confirmed that the attack involved at least five types of missiles, including Kalibr cruise missiles. Despite the air defence forces managing to destroy a significant number of the missiles, the port’s infrastructure and several buildings were damaged. The iconic Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral in the city centre was also hit by a missile.

This attack on Odesa comes shortly after Moscow’s withdrawal from a grain export deal, and Kyiv has accused Russia of targeting grain supplies and essential infrastructure for Ukrainian grain exports. Moscow, on the other hand, claims that their strikes were aimed only at military sites.

Tensions have been high in the Black Sea region since the expiration of the grain export deal. In response to rising tensions, Russia conducted live-fire exercises using cruise missiles in the area, further escalating the situation.

Adding to the complexity of the conflict, the previous day saw a Ukrainian drone strike on an ammunition depot in Crimea, leading to evacuations and temporary suspension of rail traffic on the annexed peninsula. Moscow blamed the West and Kyiv for the death of a Russian war correspondent in the Zaporizhzhia region, vowing to respond to those responsible.

Ukraine’s presidential office has reiterated its call for more missiles and defence systems to protect civilians and vital infrastructure. In particular, Kyiv seeks long-range tactical missiles and missile defence systems from Washington.