Russian Drone Damages Caritas Safe Space in Odesa
Veterans had left minutes earlier; aid sessions are suspended while Caritas leaders call the attack unbearable and a violation of the laws of war.
A Russian drone struck a building next to the Caritas-Spes Odesa Safe Space humanitarian support center on October 10 at 18:07. The blast wave damaged the center’s windows and doors. A psychological support session with veterans had ended just seven minutes earlier. All staff and visitors had already left, and no one was injured. The strike took place during daytime hours.
Municipal services temporarily boarded up the damaged windows and doors with chipboard panels. The center requires repair and restoration work. Caritas-Spes Ukraine said that all group and individual sessions are suspended until the office is restored and safe for beneficiaries.
Narrow Escape for Those Who Serve
Caritas-Spes Odesa thanked supporters who came forward with help and sympathy "from the very first moments after the tragedy." "You came to us offering to help and expressing your sympathy. We truly appreciate it," the center said.
The Safe Space offers humanitarian support, including psychological care for veterans, in a city long exposed to the hardships of war. Its temporary closure interrupts services for people already carrying heavy burdens while structural work is completed to reopen safely.
Church Leaders Condemn the Attack
Henry Wilson Smith, CAFOD acting emergency programme manager for Ukraine, called the attack "a stark reminder of the risks humanitarian workers in Ukraine face every day as they deliver services to the most vulnerable" amid "the mostly deadly period of the war since 2022." He added that CAFOD "will continue to support our Ukrainian partner agencies."
On October 13 in Freiburg, Oliver Müller, head of Caritas International, condemned the strike. He called it "unbearable" and denounced "this senseless action in Odessa, which almost led to a catastrophe with numerous deaths." The assault, he said, "violates the laws of war and must finally stop," while expressing respect for Caritas colleagues who continue their aid work under such conditions.
The day after the strike, Pope Leo referenced the suffering "in tormented Ukraine" during his Angelus address, holding the wounded nation before the prayer of the universal Church.