In the late-night hours of February 20-21, a Russian attack struck Odesa, causing partial destruction of a local law school that is situated in a listed historic building. The impact was significant, leading to the collapse of parts of the building's walls, shattered windows, and a damaged ceiling, as reported by Oleksandr Lonchak, the Head of the Department of Education and Science at Odesa Oblast State Administration. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, with the security guard present at the time seeking refuge in a shelter.

The law school is home to approximately 199 students across nine classes and is poised to resume educational activities online following this incident. The physical damages primarily affected the first floor of the building, emphasizing the severity of the attack. According to Pavlo Kozlenko, director of the Territory of Memory genocide museum, the school had been engaged in various joint projects with local educators, highlighting the community's active role in preserving and advancing legal education amidst the ongoing conflict.

This incident reflects the broader context of continued Russian aggression in Ukraine, which has consistently targeted educational institutions along with civilian infrastructure. Such attacks not only disrupt the education of students but also endanger the preservation of cultural heritage, represented by the historical value of the damaged building. The ongoing war raises concerns about the long-term impact on education and cultural preservation in regions like Odesa, where institutions face the dual challenges of maintaining educational standards and coping with the risk of further assaults.