Ukraine and Russia Intensify Black Sea Showdown with Resort City Strikes

Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Sochi resort city early Thursday, dealing a significant blow to the strategic location and prompting fears of broader escalation. The attack, which lasted from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., reportedly left one person dead and another injured, according to Ukrainian media. The oil depot in the Krasnodar Krai region—a crucial site for energy production—was also hit, though the extent of damage remains under investigation. These strikes mark the first major Ukrainian assault on Russia’s Black Sea resorts, which have long been a symbol of the country’s wealth and tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched a fierce aerial assault on Odessa, targeting residential areas and the historic Pryvoz market, which was heavily damaged in the attacks. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service described the strikes as a