As the dark chill of winter envelops Ukraine, the brutal reality of life in Odesa is starkly illustrated by a recent Russian drone attack. In the early hours of Tuesday, 28 January 2026, journalist Askold Krushelnycky found himself amid chaos as Shahed drones targeted his hotel, underscoring the relentless assault on Ukrainian cities. While peace negotiations seem to languish, the war’s harrowing toll continues to mount.
A Night of Terror
The attack, which unfolded just after 2:20 AM, rocked the Hotel Alarus located in the heart of Odesa. Krushelnycky was abruptly woken by a deafening explosion that shattered the glass in his room, only to find himself scrambling for safety as the drones continued their vicious onslaught. “F***, f***, f***! Just get it over with,” he thought, a feeling of helplessness gripping him as the sound of incoming drones echoed like the sirens of the past.
As the hotel’s staff and guests huddled together in the basement, the atmosphere was tinged with fear. Dim light from smartphones illuminated anxious faces, while some succumbed to tears. The night wore on with a grim silence, punctuated by the distant thuds of explosions that sent shards of glass cascading down the stairwell. While Krushelnycky and those in the hotel emerged unscathed, reports indicated that at least 23 people were injured, including children and a pregnant woman. Rescuers combed through the wreckage, searching for those trapped beneath the debris.
Life Amidst the Ruins
The drone strike is but one grim chapter in the ongoing saga of Odesa, a city that has become a prime target for Russian aggression. With the population hovering around one million, many residents have fled, replaced by refugees from conflict-ridden areas to the east. The city, once vibrant with the sounds of trams and bustling streets, now endures a haunting silence, broken only by the low hum of generators striving to combat power outages.
Vera, a 23-year-old student living in a high-rise, described the dire conditions exacerbated by the relentless aerial bombardments. “Imagine having to climb 14 flights of stairs if you’re elderly or disabled,” she lamented. “What if you’re a mother with two children?” The situation has grown increasingly dire, with power outages lasting for days and the frigid winter temperatures turning homes into iceboxes as heating systems fail.
The sheer brutality of the Russian campaign has left many feeling the weight of despair. “On New Year’s Eve 2024, a friend of mine was killed by drones while having a cigarette on his balcony,” Vera recounted with a mix of sorrow and anger. The Russian assaults have not only destroyed lives but have also aimed to dismantle the very fabric of daily existence in Ukraine.
The Broader Implications of Warfare
As military spokesperson Major Dmytro Pletenchuk explained, the drone strikes are strategically designed to cripple Ukraine’s vital energy infrastructure and sow terror among civilians. The ports of Odesa, crucial for the country’s agricultural exports, remain under constant threat. “These ports are the main outlet for Ukraine’s agricultural exports, including grains and sunflower oil,” he said, emphasising the broader ramifications of such attacks on global food security.
The relentless assaults have provoked widespread condemnation, with many equating Russia’s tactics to terrorism. “They are targeting civilians to make normal life impossible,” stated Dr. Svyatoslav, a senior member of the World Health Organisation in southern Ukraine. “This terror is meant to bring people to their knees,” he added, highlighting the psychological toll on the population as they endure nightly bombings and power outages.
Amidst the despair, however, the resilience of the Ukrainian people shines through. Odesa has established numerous “Points of Unbroken Resilience” where residents can gather to recharge, warm up, and seek solace in one another’s company. Yet, optimism for a swift resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
The Illusion of Peace Talks
Recent peace talks, attended by Ukrainian, US, and Russian delegations, have yielded little hope. As the first day of discussions concluded, Russia launched a massive aerial attack across Ukraine, prompting scepticism among those enduring the violence. “What kind of peace can you expect from a nation that attacks while talking?” questioned volunteer Roman, echoing a sentiment felt by many.
Vera bluntly stated her disdain for the negotiations, asserting that figures like Donald Trump, who brokered the discussions, lack genuine empathy for the plight of Ukrainians. “It’s all about greed and business to him,” she remarked, summing up the frustrations of a population that has witnessed too much suffering.
Why it Matters
The situation in Odesa reflects a broader narrative of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. As Russians continue their relentless assault, the Ukrainian spirit remains unbroken, fuelled by a collective will to withstand and resist. The world watches closely, for the outcome of this brutal conflict will reverberate far beyond Ukraine’s borders, shaping geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian efforts for years to come. The struggle for survival amidst the ruins serves as a stark reminder of the cost of war, urging global leaders to seek genuine resolutions before more lives are irrevocably shattered.
