Russian Rocket Hits Close To Zelensky, Greek PM

During a visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa nearly hit the motorcade of President Volodymyr Zelensky and his guest.

The attack happened as Zelensky showed Mitsotakis around the critical Black Sea export hub where five were killed.

While Greek and Ukrainian officials were present, sirens and a nearby explosion interrupted their tour. There was no time to find shelter, leaving a deep impression on Mitsotakis.

The escalation in warfare includes increased aerial attacks as Russian forces push forward and Ukraine struggles with limited resources. The incident underscores the urgency of additional U.S. aid for Ukraine, which the White House emphasizes as vital for defense against constant Russian aggression.

Elsewhere, a suspected Ukrainian car bomb in Russian-held Berdyansk reportedly killed a local election official amid voting for Russia's presidential election. Ukraine also allegedly used a drone to strike a fuel tank at a Russian metal plant, part of its strategy to hit Russia's energy infrastructure.

In the conflict-torn Lugansk region, Ukrainian artillery and landmines caused more casualties. Despite these tragic events, the Ukrainian army has fortified positions near recently-seized Adviivka to prevent further Russian territorial gains, though Western aid delays leave them overstretched.

Russian President Putin met with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi to discuss the seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. However, Grossi insists the plant cannot restart safely given it's in an active combat zone and has been shut down for an extended period.