In a series of attacks over the weekend, Russian forces have targeted the southern city of Odesa, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a child. Journalists from the AFP witnessed the aftermath at the strike site, where firefighters and ambulances responded to crisis situations, highlighting the devastating impact of the strikes on civilian areas. Reports indicate that from Sunday evening to Monday morning, Russia launched 11 ballistic missiles and 149 drones into Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepting over a hundred drones and several missiles.

The conflict, which began nearly four years ago with Russia's invasion, continues to escalate despite ongoing diplomatic talks mediated by the United States aimed at resolving the bloody conflict – the worst in Europe since World War II. The strikes on Ukraine not only cause immediate loss of life and destruction but also serve to undermine any potential for peaceful negotiations. Mychaila, a resident of Odesa, shared his experiences of the attack, recounting the terrifying sounds of drones and subsequent explosions, illustrating the daily dangers civilians face in the war-torn region.

As this pattern of violence persists, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with civilians bearing the brunt of the bombardments. The international community is left to grapple with the implications of Russia's continued military aggression, and the humanitarian crisis that has sparked from the ongoing conflict, calling for urgent attention and solutions. The need for a concrete resolution to this conflict grows increasingly urgent as the toll on human lives continues to rise.