ONE of Ukraine’s largest sports stadiums has been blitzed by Putin on the eve of a top-flight match.
forces struck in southern today, August 7 at around 3pm, targeting Odessa’s Chornomorets Stadium, the largest arena in the south of the country.
The roof of the stadium was badly damaged in the blast, along with the stands Credit: Odesa Regional Military Administration
Windows in the Chornomorets Stadium were blown out in the blast Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
The stadium, which can hold more than 34,000 fans, is home to both Chornomorets Odessa and Seasters.
The next game scheduled to be played there is August 8 between Chornomorets and Kolos, although this is now in doubt.
Ukrainian politician Oleksiy Honcharenko first reported the attack on his Telegram channel, showing footage from the impact site.
The blast damaged the arena’s load-bearing structures and blew out windows around the building’s perimeter, as well as damaging the stands.
Glass litters the floor of the stadium following the attack Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Chornomorets were due to take on Kolos tomorrow at the ground but this is now in doubt after the strike Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
A large hole was also made in the roof.
Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper confirmed a 29-year-old woman sustained shrapnel wounds in the attack.
He said: “The injured woman is being provided with all necessary assistance.
“All relevant services are working at the scene.”
Although according to local media two people were injured.
Stadium director Serhiy Burka said that the injured were most likely employees of the club.
The explosion also caused dry grass to ignite on land next to the stadium but this was quickly dealt with by rescuers.
The Chornomorets Stadium is situated in Shevchenko Park in Odessa’s historic centre and regularly hosts Ukrainian Premier League matches.
Meanwhile, savage Russian forces carried out a sickening double-tap strike in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Two rescuers were wounded in the attack, according to the head of the regional military administration Ivan Fedorov.
A double tap strike a military tactic where the initial bombing, missile, or drone attack is followed intentionally by a second strike on the same location minutes later.
The secondary blast is intended to maximise casualties by hitting emergency crews and civilians who have rushed to the scene to help any rescue.
In the Zaporizhzhia strike, the second attack hit a fire truck as crews were attempting to put out a fire caused by the first hit.
An outbuilding of a private home was also damaged and subsequently caught fire.
Russian forces have repeatedly carried out double-tap strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region, reports claim.
On July 13, guided bombs initially struck residential areas in Zaporizhzhia which were then targeted a drone attack as , rescuers and medics attended to the injured.
The Dnipropetrovsk region, in the south-east of the country was also targeted, with strikes killing two people and injuring six, according to the regional governor.
Oleksandr Hanzha, writing on Telegram, said Russian forces had launched nearly 50 attacks on five districts in the region, deploying drones, artillery and aerial bombs.
Two people were killed near Nikopol, a frequent Russian target on the western bank of the Dnipro River, opposite the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
One of the wounded was in a serious condition, Ganzha said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
