Russian forces launched a missile strike on Odesa, Ukraine’s port city, causing significant damage to historic buildings. Seven people were injured in the attack, which was described as a “deliberate strike” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The attack targeted the historic district of Odesa, where Norwegian diplomats and other civilians were present. The damage included the Hotel Bristol, a luxury landmark built in the 19th century, and the Odesa Philharmonic concert hall, which had many windows smashed.
Ukrainian forces have been targeting Russian army command posts in the Kursk region, hitting and destroying one recently. Meanwhile, North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia’s army on the Kursk frontline have reportedly been withdrawn after suffering heavy losses.
US President Donald Trump announced that he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying they might do something “significant”. Trump has previously criticized Zelenskyy, suggesting a deal between him and Putin could end the conflict.
Russia’s army captured another village in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Volgograd region. A petrochemicals plant in Nizhny Novogorod was also targeted by Ukrainian drones, causing a major fire that was eventually extinguished.
The Russian government has launched an inspection programme to check the state of its tanker fleet after a major oil spill. Germany’s foreign ministry warned citizens not to travel to Russia due to an increase in drone attacks in recent weeks and months.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/01/ukraine-war-briefing-russian-missile-attack-on-world-heritage-site-in-odesa-damages-historic-buildings-and-wounds-seven