Five killed as 'terrorists' hit famous Harry Potter castle

UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday declared "the world despises terrorists" after at least five were killed and 32 injured when a Russian strike destroyed Odesa's so-called Harry Potter castle.

- Mark Reynolds

Mr Zelensky again called for defensive missile systems to be sent quickly following the deadly hit on the Gothic-style building in the southern Black Sea port city.

Its distinctive turrets were still burning yesterday as emergency services fought a severe blaze.

The building is reportedly the residence of prominent former MP Serhiy Kivalov, who was among those said to have been injured.

Those who died were residents who reportedly did not have enough time to take shelter as air raid alerts sounded just moments before.

Crime

Dmytro Pletenchuk of Ukraine's Southern Defence Forces said: "The type of missile used is currently being checked.

"Forensic specialists are carrying out the appropriate evaluations.

"All services including the state emergency service are working to eliminate the consequences of the strike - yet another war crime."

A separate attack on Kharkiv in the northeast left two people dead and an unknown number of injured.