Russian attack damages Ukrainian football stadium in Odesa, injures two

The Chornomorets stadium in Odesa, a major football venue in southern Ukraine, suffered significant damage from a Russian attack on Friday. The strike impacted the stadium's roof and stands, shattering numerous windows and potentially compromising its structural integrity. The attack occurred just before a scheduled Ukrainian league match between Chornomorets and Kolos, casting uncertainty over its execution.

At least two people were injured in the blast. Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa regional military administration, reported that a 29-year-old woman was wounded by shrapnel and received medical attention. Local media indicated that two individuals, possibly club employees according to stadium director Serhiy Burka, sustained injuries.

“

The stadium's roof and stands were damaged, and numerous windows were broken. The supporting structures of the facility are also said to have been damaged.

The explosion also ignited a fire of dry grass near the stadium, which was quickly extinguished by emergency services. The Chornomorets stadium, located in Shevchenko Park, was renovated and reopened in 2011 and can accommodate over 34,000 spectators. The incident in Odesa is part of wider Russian assaults across Ukraine, with reports of casualties in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

“

A 29-year-old woman was injured by shrapnel in the attack, and she was provided with medical assistance.