During the winter, Russia spared Odesa from the brunt of its attacks on Ukraine. However, in March, the port city faced unprecedented levels of devastation. A Russian drone destroyed a nine-storey building, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people in one of the deadliest attacks this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attributed these losses to delays in receiving necessary weapons and air defense systems, pointing to US House Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to include $60bn in aid for Ukraine.
On March 6, Zelenskyy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited a memorial for the victims of a previous drone attack. Just days later, a ballistic missile landed within 500 meters of where the leaders stood. On March 15, a barrage of missiles and drones caused further destruction, resulting in casualties and significant damage.
The ongoing attacks have caused fear and devastation among the residents of Odesa. The constant threat has changed people’s behaviors, with residents now seeking shelter at the sound of sirens. Despite the increased fear, the resolve of the people remains strong.
The attacks on Odesa have largely been attributed to Russia’s desire to instill fear and cause disruption, particularly due to the city’s importance in Ukrainian grain exports. The freezing of US aid by House Republicans has added to the concerns of Odesans, who feel abandoned after choosing to align with Western interests in 2014. The city remains resilient in the face of adversity, though the need for international support is more critical than ever.