Pivden [South] Operational Command: Russians dream of seizing and occupying Odesa

IRYNA BALACHUK — WEDNESDAY, 25 MAY 2022, 15:09

Nataliia Humeniuk, the head of the press centre of the security and defence forces of the Pivden [South] Operational Command says that the city of Odesa remains a priority for the aggressors, and that they want to seize it and occupy it.

Source: Humeniuk at a briefing at the Ukraine-Ukrinform media centre on 25 May

Quote Humeniuk: "Odesa remains a priority for the enemy, who dream about capturing and occupying it, but the residents of Odesa also dream of a peaceful life. 

Enemy ship groups are being reformed and strengthened. They are carrying supplies and trying to establish certain positions, including on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island. 

Additional air defence divisions are being deployed in Crimea, as the enemy is already aware that the destruction of their ships is not a chimera, it is perfectly possible. That's why they are also trying to defend themselves. "

Details: According to Humeniuk, Russian missile ships continue to be in the northwestern part of the Black Sea and continue to threaten not only the southern region, but the whole of Ukraine with their missile strikes.

She added that the Pivden [South] Operational Command has recorded several missile launches from the sea on different regions of Ukraine.

Humeniuk emphasised that the southern defence forces are holding back the aggression of the Russian invaders on the Mykolaiv-Kherson borders.

Quote Humeniuk: "We are in control of the land scenario, we are monitoring the naval scenario and preparing certain moments for enemies. The situation with the air scenario is that we are still waiting for appropriate weapons that will allow us to better protect the skies. Although the air defence of Odesa is currently inflicting losses on the enemy."