Odesa attacked from air by missiles

The multiple loud explosions were heard heard in Odesa early this morning, the BBC reports.

Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister, has confirmed on his Telegram channel that "Odesa was attacked from the air" by missiles, some of which he says were "were shot down by air defence".

An AFP news wire reporter heard explosions in the port city at 06:00 local time (03:00 GMT), followed by at least three thick columns of smoke and flames visible in an apparently industrial area.

The target of the strike has not yet been confirmed.