A Russian missile strike on the afternoon of June 23 has killed two people and injured at least twelve others in the city of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi in Ukraine’s Odessa region, local officials have confirmed.
According to Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, the strike hit a local lyceum.
“Two people were killed as a result of the Russian strike,” Kiper wrote on Telegram. “At least twelve others were injured, three of whom are in serious condition. The remaining victims, including two teenagers, sustained moderate injuries.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the missile directly struck the lyceum building, which was nearly destroyed in the blast. While children were not present due to the summer break, staff members were inside at the time of the attack.
“The strike was likely carried out with a ballistic missile,” Zelensky said. “This is not an accident. Russia’s military knew exactly what they were targeting.” He added that some individuals may still be trapped under the rubble, and a search-and-rescue operation is ongoing.
Zelensky expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the need for stronger international pressure on Russia.
“Russia has no intention of stopping this war voluntarily. These attacks are deliberate. If Russia is not forced into peace, the threat will extend beyond Ukraine—to European schools, hospitals, and residential areas.”
He called for tougher sanctions and united international action to stop the attacks, warning that the longer the world waits, the greater the risk to lives far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Emergency services and local authorities are continuing rescue operations at the scene.
