**Russian Drone Attack Kills Two in Ukraine’s Odesa**
A devastating drone attack by Russia has left at least two people dead and five others injured in the Ukrainian city of Odesa. The attack, which was sustained over several hours, also caused significant damage to residential high-rise buildings, a supermarket, and a school.
According to Oleh Kiper, the governor of the region, the enemy drones targeted civilian infrastructure, particularly dwellings, causing considerable damage. “Two people died and five others were injured as a result of the strike,” he said in a Telegram post.
The attack on Odesa comes at a time when the city has already come under repeated bombardment since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The city, which is strategically important due to its port location on the Black Sea, has a population of around one million people.
**Explosions and Damage Reported in Other Ukrainian Cities**
The attack on Odesa was not an isolated incident. Elsewhere in Ukraine, the mayor of Kharkiv reported that a drone had struck a petrol station in the city center, while explosions were also heard in the city of Sumy.
It is worth noting that Russia has not yet commented on the attacks, which raises further questions about their intentions and actions in Ukraine.
**US Signs Deal with Ukraine to Jointly Exploit Energy and Mineral Resources**
The attack on Odesa comes as the US signed a deal with Ukraine to jointly exploit its energy and mineral resources. This move shows much more solidarity with Ukraine than is usual for US President Donald Trump’s administration. The two countries agreed to establish a reconstruction investment fund to spur Ukraine’s economic recovery from its war with Russia.
**Temporary Ceasefire Announced by Russian President Putin**
In response to the ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for an immediate ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. The Kremlin said the temporary ceasefire would run from May 8 until May 11.
**Reaction and Analysis**
The attack on Odesa is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the risks faced by civilians. It also raises questions about Russia’s intentions and actions, particularly given their failure to comment on the attacks.
The deal signed between the US and Ukraine to jointly exploit energy and mineral resources is a positive step towards supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery. However, the temporary ceasefire announced by Putin remains to be seen, with Ukraine calling for an immediate and longer-lasting ceasefire.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the people of Odesa and other Ukrainian cities are facing significant risks and challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
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