Russia-Ukraine war live: Missiles strike near Zelenskiy as Russia says conflict could escalate to war in Europe

Russian missiles hit close to Zelenskiy and the Greek prime minister’s location

A fatal missile strike carried out by Russia near the Ukrainian city of Odesa seemed to have landed near President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who described the moment of the attack as “intense”.

The assault on the port infrastructure on Wednesday caused the deaths of five people and left an unspecified number wounded, according to the Ukrainian navy.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visit the seaport in Odesa on Wednesday. Photograph: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters

“We heard the sound of sirens and explosions that took place near us,” said Mitsotakis, who was in talks with Zelenskiy. “We did not have time to reach a shelter. It was a very intense experience,” added Mitsotakis through an interpreter in Odesa.

Ukraine retaliated with its own attacks on Russian positions, including the apparent killing of a Russian election official with a car bomb and a drone strike on a metal plant.

As Moscow’s troops advance on the frontlines and Kyiv faces a shortage of manpower and weapons, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their aerial attacks.

Spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk confirmed that the strike in Odesa occurred while the Greek delegation was visiting the port with Zelenskiy.

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