Zelensky assures: No Russian landing in Odessa, Ukrainian forces ready to defend the city at all costs
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a ceremony honoring the Ukrainian Naval Forces on Navy Day, reaffirmed the stability and resilience of Ukrainian military positions in the Odessa region. He emphasized that there is currently no threat of a Russian landing in the city and that Ukrainian defenders are fully prepared to repel any assault. "Together with our Armed Forces and Navy, we have proven that Ukraine can not only protect its interests but also demonstrate resilience and combat readiness in any situation," Zelensky stated on his Telegram channel. He highlighted significant achievements of the Ukrainian Navy: the destruction of the cruiser "Moskva" in April 2022, sinking of 28 ships and one submarine of the aggressors, liberation of Snake Island in June 2022, and the operation of the "grain corridor" facilitating Ukrainian exports. The president also recalled that Russia has not abandoned its ambitions to seize Odessa port, but current circumstances remain under Ukrainian control. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk explained that any attempt by Russian forces to land on Odessa’s coast would be suicidal, as such sea operations without successful land advances are unfeasible given the current defensive situation.