A long-time pro-Russian building, the Grand Pettine hotel, located on a Black Sea beach in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, was struck by Russian cruise missiles on Monday.
The hotel was known for hosting pro-Russian conferences dedicated to the brotherhood of Ukraine and Russia. Locally it was known as "the stronghold of the Russian world," CNN reported.
The hotel has hosted Russian politicians and talk show personalities since the peak of the pro-Russian movement in the region almost a decade ago. The building's owner is still a prominent member of the pro-Russian Party of Regions.
The building, now wrought with severe damage from the missile strike, is not believed to have been a target because of its pro-Russian history.
Russia's tactics in its invasion have grown more cavalier as it faces strong resistance from Ukraine almost three months into the war.
U.S. officials, including CIA Director William Burns, have warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could begin taking more risks during his second phase of the invasion as he sees this as a must-win situation.
"I think Putin has staked a lot on this second phase of what is an incredibly ugly and brutal offensive against the Ukrainians," Burns said on Sunday.
The death toll of innocent civilians in Ukraine has continued to rise, with Russia's attacks becoming more and more brutal as they try to win by all means necessary. The damage done to the Grand Pettine could be another sign of that type of offensive.
Officials at the hotel did not respond to a request for comment from CNN on Monday, but the Odesa prosecutor's office did.
"The buildings of the hotel and restaurant complex, as well as the utility infrastructure, were destroyed and damaged," the office said. "There are no victims or injured."
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