Russian drone barrage kills 4, hits Odesa maternity hospital and port
Russia launched 273 drones in waves, with Odesa bearing the brunt. Ukraine says air defenses downed 252, but 21 struck 18 sites, damaging a maternity hospital, port infrastructure and residential buildings. The strikes underscore Russia’s focus on terrorizing civilians and disrupting energy and logistics hubs.
Apr 6, 2026, 5:48 AM EDT
Why it matters: The attacks on a maternity hospital and port infrastructure show Russia is targeting civilian life and critical logistics, compounding Ukraine’s energy and humanitarian strain.
Driving the news:
- Russia launched 273 drones in waves, with Odesa the main focus, the Ukrainian air force said. - President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 60 drones were used in strikes on Odesa.
State of play:
- Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 252 drones, but 21 hit targets at 18 sites. - Two people were killed and 12, including a child, were wounded in Odesa, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. - A 55-year-old energy worker was killed when Russia struck gas production facilities in Poltava, Naftogaz said. - A 28-year-old man was killed in Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk, the governor said.
Zoom in:
- A maternity hospital in Odesa was damaged, with smashed windows and a destroyed roof, according to Reuters footage. - Chief doctor Ihor Shpak said a powerful explosion ripped through the building, destroying the roof and connecting structures between the fourth and third floors. - Medics evacuated 22 newborn babies, including twins on ventilator support, and 32 other patients to a shelter just before the attack.
By the numbers:
- 273 drones launched; 252 shot down; 21 hit targets at 18 sites. - 4 killed nationwide; 2 in Odesa, 1 in Poltava, 1 in Kryvyi Rih. - 12 wounded in Odesa, including a child.
What they're saying:
- “There was no military purpose whatsoever – this was pure terror against ordinary civilian life,” Zelensky said on Telegram. - “Sadly, there is extensive damage,” he added.
What to watch:
- Damage assessments and repairs at the maternity hospital, port infrastructure and energy facilities. - Whether Russia escalates drone barrages targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.
The bottom line: Russia’s drone wave inflicted civilian casualties and hit key infrastructure, underscoring a terror-focused campaign against Ukraine’s cities and logistics hubs.