Published: 08.03.2022 – 15:38
Gennadiy Trukhanov, the mayor of the city of Odessa in southern Ukraine, was interviewed by France 24 TV channel. This former soldier promises to stay in Odessa no matter what happens, as long as the Ukrainian authorities say a Russian attack is imminent. He claims that the Ukrainian armed forces have increased the security of the city, which is ready to repulse the Russian army. The mayor expects, in particular, an attack from the sea, not excluding artillery shelling.
On France 24 TV channel, Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov describes the situation in his city as “relatively calm” but expects an imminent assault from Russian troops.
According to him, the attack on this strategic port on the edge of the Black Sea is likely to be carried out from the sea. He argues that the defense of the city in this regard has been strengthened in coordination with the Ukrainian military authorities, and in particular thanks to air defense.
The mayor adds that the attack could also come from Transnistria, the declared autonomous region of neighboring Moldova, where Russian troops are stationed.
He explains that the city’s beaches have been mined, that bomb shelters have been set up, and food supplies planned for a prolonged siege, while welcoming Western aid reaching Odessa.
Regarding the evacuation of civilians, especially women and children, he said that the majority of women refused to leave the city.
Gennady Trukhanov says he doesn’t know if Vladimir Putin is ready to wipe out Odessa, but adds that he never imagined ordering the bombing of Kharkov, an 80% Russian-speaking city. He says that he is ready and morally obliged to stay in Odessa at all costs.