Southern Ukraine where Russian troops increase pressure from both sea and land.

One of our destinations is Ukraine's largest port city, Odessa.


Fierce fighting has already caused numerous casualties in nearby cities.

Even in central Odessa, tensions are rising as civilians prepare for the invasion of Russian troops.



What is the current situation in the field?

What are the people living there doing?


I will explain in detail.

What is "Odessa", a key point in the south?

Odessa is a port city facing the Black Sea in southern Ukraine.


The population before the military invasion was more than 1 million, the third largest after the capital Kyiv, the second city, and the eastern Kharkov.

The port of Odessa there is the largest port in Ukraine and is a "southern strategic point" that has been developed for a long time as an international trading port for exporting industrial products produced in the east and wheat produced in the south.

Why are you aiming for the Russian army?

Part 1

For the Russian army, the Black Sea coastal area is a geopolitical point.



Russia has a history of aiming to acquire "non-freezing port = ice-free port" because many ports freeze in winter.


For this reason, we have emphasized the warm Black Sea coastal areas such as the Crimean Peninsula.

Why are you aiming for the Russian army?

Part 2

For Ukraine, Odessa is "the cornerstone of coastal defense."


This is because the Ukrainian government has transferred the functions of the Ukrainian Navy's headquarters in Crimea to Odessa after Russia unilaterally annexed Crimea in 2014.

From the above, it seems that the Russian army is aiming for control of Odessa with the following aims.


▽ Decoupling Ukraine from the international sea distribution network


▽ Disabling the Ukrainian Navy's forces In



fact, senior Pentagon officials say that Russian troops may be preparing operations to control Odessa. Shows the point of view.

What is the situation of the Russian army around Odessa?

The latest information on the Russian military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was revealed to reporters on the 21st by a senior US Department of Defense official.


▽ Russian Navy activity is active in the


Black Sea ▽ Bombardment is being carried out around Odessa from the fleet deployed on the north side of the Black Sea ▽ There are


no signs of amphibious operations, but more than 10 ships can be confirmed

Meanwhile, Russian troops from land are also intensifying their offensive near Odessa.


Russian troops have announced that they have seized Kherson, which is adjacent to the Crimean Peninsula.


Also, in the city of Mykolaiv, more than 100 kilometers east of Odessa, military facilities are being hit by missiles.

Who are the citizens of Odessa?

A man living in Odessa told me about the current situation in an SNS message as follows.

"I see Russian ships every day offshore. I haven't been rested and sick since the military invasion began. I've lost more than 10 kilograms.


Still, I've protected our city .

I have to prepare for a Russian attack with other civilians. "

How is the life of the citizens?

Michael Stkel, a 36-year-old journalist who lives and works in Odessa, spoke online about the lives of the citizens and the situation in the city.

"No major damage has been confirmed in the city center so far. There is no problem with living infrastructure such as electricity and water. However, there is a shortage of gasoline and the price is higher than before the invasion of the Russian army. It has tripled.


Also, because many women and children have evacuated, the city is less crowded and restaurants and recreational facilities are rarely open. "

What is the state of the city?

"I feel that the sense of urgency in the city is increasing day by day. Fighting continues in the suburbs, and even in the city center where I live, I hear gunshots and explosions every day. Citizens have joined territorial defense forces to increase their vigilance,


and some citizens have piled up dirt in the city in an attempt to reduce the damage caused by bullets and artillery. Citizens in preparation for an invasion. I'm trying to protect the city from myself. "

Why is it still there?

"Before the invasion, Odessa was a city that was crowded with people, full of smiles, and boasted. But now everything has changed.


Still, it's about telling" what's happening now . "

It's my job. I


will tell you that the Ukrainians are still resisting and have the power to repel the Russian invasion. "