ISTANBUL

Ukraine said on Thursday that at least two people were killed and 15 others were injured in an overnight Russian drone attack on the country’s southwestern port city of Odesa.

"Residential high-rise buildings, private houses, a supermarket, a school, and cars were damaged. Unfortunately, two people died, according to preliminary information, (and) another 15 people were injured," Ukraine's State Emergency Service said on Telegram.

The statement said fires broke out in areas where hits were recorded, but were quickly extinguished.

"In one of the high-rise buildings, rescuers, together with the interaction services, evacuated more than 200 people," it added.

Separately, Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper also said medical teams are providing all necessary assistance to those affected by the attack.

“The elimination of the consequences of the strike continues. Tents are being deployed on the ground for additional assistance,” he added.

Ukraine’s Air Force claimed its air defenses shot down at least 74 out of 170 drones launched by Russia to attack the country, saying that the Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and Kyiv regions were also affected by the overnight attack.

Russian authorities have yet to comment on the claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing armed conflict, now in its fourth year.