site.btaPowerful Explosions Reported in Odesa as City Comes Under Attack from Black Sea

Powerful explosions were reported in Odesa as the Ukrainian city came under attack from the Black Sea, according to local Telegram channels.

Three missiles reportedly struck the area around the city's port at approximately 12:58 p.m. Local reports said smoke was seen rising from the impact sites.

Regional authorities urged residents to remain in bomb shelters, warning that the air raid alert was still in effect.

Bulgarians in Odesa Region number more than 150,000 and were the third largest population group in Ukraine in 2001, according to the official census. About 50,000 - 60,000 Bulgarians live in the city of Odesa. The largest compact Bulgarian population is concentrated in the Bolhrad, Izmail and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi districts.