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Gennadiy Trukhanov, mayor of the city of Odessa, in southern Ukraine, gave an interview to France 24. This former soldier promises to remain in Odessa whatever happens, while the Russian attack is imminent according to the Ukrainian authorities. He claims that the Ukrainian armed forces have increased the protection of the city, which is ready to repel the Russian army. The mayor expects in particular a maritime attack, without excluding artillery bombardments.
On France 24, the mayor of Odessa, Gennadiy Trukhanov, describes a “relatively calm” situation in his city, but expects an imminent assault by Russian forces.
According to him, the attack on this strategic port on the edge of the Black Sea will probably be carried out from the sea. He claims that the defense of the city has been reinforced in this perspective, in coordination with the Ukrainian military authorities, and in particular thanks to to anti-aircraft defenses.
The mayor adds that the attack could also come from Transnistria, a declared autonomous region of neighboring Moldova, where Russian troops are stationed.
He explains that the city’s beaches have been mined, that air-raid shelters have been set up, and food reserves planned in the event of a prolonged siege, welcoming the Western aid that is reaching Odessa.
As for the evacuation of civilians, especially women and children, he said that the women for the most part refused to leave the town.
Gennadiy Trukhanov says he doesn’t know if Vladimir Poutine is ready to raze Odessa, while adding that he could never have imagined that he would order the bombing of Kharkiv, a city that is 80% Russian-speaking. He says he is ready and morally obliged to stay in Odessa, come what may.