In Odesa region, bus traffic is being launched through two checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, which previously operated only for passenger cars. This will allow for quick adjustment of passenger routes and reduction of the load on individual directions, and the number of buses that can be processed at the Mohyliv-Podilskyi – Otaci checkpoint has also been increased.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced discussions on replacing the commander of the Air Command "South", Dmytro Karpenko. This decision is related to the need to strengthen air defense and timely response, especially in the Odesa region.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba stated that there is no threat to Ukraine's export potential, but there are risks of increasing Russian attacks. Constant shelling of Odesa region may be related to attempts to disrupt the grain corridor.
For the first time since 2022, the Odesa-Chisinau railway connection has been restored. Demand for tickets was extremely high, with 60% sold in the first 3 hours.
Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksiy Kuleba stated that he sees no preconditions for fuel price increases after the strikes on the Odesa region. He held talks with gas station operators and carriers, who confirmed the absence of a threat of price hikes.
President Zelenskyy announced the restoration of infrastructure in Odesa region and an investigation into those responsible for air defense in the area. This is happening after Russian strikes.
The death toll in Odesa as a result of the Russian attack on December 19 has risen to 8 people, with about 30 injured. On the morning of December 20, the occupiers attacked the port in the city of Pivdennyi, Odesa region, hitting tanks.
Prosecutors have sent to court the case of an employee of the Territorial Recruitment Center and Social Support (TCC and SP) who beat a defender of Mariupol. The incident occurred in December 2025, and the victim sustained minor bodily injuries.
Today, December 20, Ukrzaliznytsia begins selling tickets for additional carriages to Chisinau from Odesa and Kyiv. This decision is an operational response to the complications of crossing the Moldovan border by other modes of transport.
The Ukrainian government is promptly eliminating the consequences of the Russian strike on the key bridge between Odesa and Izmail, establishing alternative communication routes. The region is provided with resources, transport operations are being adapted, and business operations are supported, the Cabinet of Ministers assures.
On the evening of December 19, the Russian army attacked a port infrastructure facility in Odesa district with ballistic missiles. As a result of the strike, seven people were killed and 15 more were injured.
Citizens heading to Odesa are informed about restrictions and redirected to alternative routes due to complicated traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway. It is recommended to choose checkpoints in Vinnytsia and Chernivtsi regions.
According to the State Emergency Service, "Points of Invincibility" are operating around the clock in Odesa fire stations: light, heat, water, and assistance to those who need it.
Leonid Kuchuk, the founder of the Odrex clinic, and his partner Tigran Arutyunyan, started with the gambling business. Kuchuk, who currently lives abroad, continues to control his business in Ukraine.
Due to the enemy's attack on a critical infrastructure facility, traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been stopped. Passage through the checkpoints "Mayaky-Udobne-Palanka" and "Starokozache-Tudora" on the Ukrainian-Moldovan section is temporarily suspended.
Russia once again attacked Odesa region, targeting energy and transport infrastructure. As a result of the strikes, the Odesa-Skhidna railway station was damaged, an employee was injured, 74.5 thousand subscribers were left without electricity, and 85 thousand without heating.
Over the past day, 193 combat engagements were recorded, the enemy launched 74 air strikes and carried out 4281 shellings. The Defense Forces hit three areas of personnel concentration and eliminated 1220 occupiers.
On the night of December 19, explosions occurred in a number of Russian regions. A thermal power plant was attacked in Oryol, and an ammonia production plant in Tolyatti.
In Odesa, an energy facility and a residential building were damaged, and one person was injured. Residents of one of the largest residential areas were left without electricity, water, and heat supply.
As a result of the Russian attack on Odesa, a critical infrastructure facility and residential buildings were damaged, and part of the district was left without utility services. One person was injured and taken to a medical facility.
In Odesa region, due to a Russian air attack, traffic has been restricted to certain border crossing points with Moldova. Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been suspended due to an attack on a critical infrastructure facility.
An enemy attack drone hit a civilian car moving on a bridge in the Odesa district. A woman in the car was killed, and her three children were taken to the hospital with injuries and an acute stress reaction.
Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been temporarily stopped in both directions. The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, urged people to refrain from using this section of the road.
On the evening of December 17, Russian drones attacked Odesa region, as a result of which at least seven people were injured. A nine-story residential building and an educational institution in Odesa district were damaged.
The Odesa Oblast police are investigating criminal proceedings regarding the alleged embezzlement of budget funds by the management of the private clinic "Odrex" and the communal Odesa hospital. The investigation believes that the transfer of 4 million hryvnias to "Dim Medytsyny" LLC, to which the "Odrex" clinic was registered, was unfounded.
In Odesa, a man wanted for violating military registration rules attempted to inflict stab wounds on himself in the premises of the Kyiv District TCC and SP. He also aggressively threatened doctors and servicemen, preventing them from providing assistance.
Since its launch on December 3, over 24,100 tickets have been issued. The program is actively used by volunteers, students, and children from frontline territories. The most popular routes are: Kyiv - Konotop, Kyiv - Mykolaiv, Kharkiv - Kyiv, Odesa - Dnipro, Dnipro - Lviv.
In Odesa region, energy workers restored electricity supply for about 330,000 families after a massive shelling. However, 288,000 families still remain without electricity, although critical infrastructure is powered.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that all Ukrainian power plants have been affected by Russian strikes. He emphasized the importance of continued German support for the restoration of the energy system.
In Odesa Oblast, about 80 settlements remain without electricity after massive Russian attacks. In Odesa, heat and water supply have been restored, and work is underway to restore electricity supply.
