Russia shelled the center of Odesa with ballistic missiles, creating a massive crater near a luxury hotel (photos and videos available).

On the evening of Friday, January 31, a powerful explosion rocked Odessa. The city's mayor, Gennady Trukhanov, and the head of the regional state administration, Oleg Kiper, reported the blasts and urged residents to remain in shelters until the air raid alert was lifted.

As a result of the Russian attack near one of the city's prestigious hotels, a massive crater was formed.

The local publication "Dumskaya" shared photos and videos of the crater that appeared on Italian Street, next to the "Bristol" hotel in the center of Odessa, following the shelling.

The channel Odessa INFO reports that strikes were also inflicted on the port infrastructure.

Updated. It has been reported that a hotel employee was injured as a result of the strike. According to Kiper, the woman has been hospitalized and is currently receiving necessary medical assistance. Eyewitnesses claim that the woman was allegedly "pinned down in the bomb shelter," and first aid was provided to her by staff from a nearby beauty salon.