Kyiv - According to a Ukrainian local official's report to CNN, as many as twenty-five architectural landmarks in Odesa, the Ukrainian port city, have been damaged by Russian missiles. Oleh Kiper, the head of the region's military administration, accused Russia of intentionally targeting the city center, which is protected by UNESCO.

Among the structures destroyed is the Orthodox Transfiguration or Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral, a significant religious monument dedicated in 1809 and later restored after the Soviet era. Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov confirmed damage to other cultural landmarks such as the House of Scientists and Zhvanetskyi Boulevard, along with several historic mansions.

Russia has denied targeting cultural monuments or civilian infrastructure in their attacks, but Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko demanded that UNESCO exclude Russia, condemning their actions as disregard for sacred sites and innocent lives.

European Union foreign policy chief Joesp Borrell labeled the destruction of the cathedral as "another war crime" committed by Russia, while the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, pointed out the devastating impact of Russia's war on the Ukrainian people.

Tragically, the strikes resulted in at least one death and 19 injuries, with Ukraine's Southern Operational Command providing details of the casualties. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the Russian attack, stating that there is no excuse for such evil acts and vowing to retaliate against Russian forces.

The recent attacks followed Russia's launch of drones and missiles on Odesa, which they justified in response to Ukraine's attack on the Crimea bridge. The situation has raised international concern and condemnation for the destruction of cultural heritage and harm to civilians in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.