'If any Western leaders still nurse fantasies about talks with Vladimir Putin over the fate of Ukraine, Russia’s treatment of this historic port city proves they are fools,' writes trudyrubin.
have been shelling and seizing key Ukrainian ports for months, even as they block Odesa’s harbor.
Trukhanov never imagined becoming a wartime mayor of Ukraine’s third-largest city and most critical port. About one-fifth of its 1 million people, only to be replaced by refugees from territory seized by Russian forces. The mayor wants the world to know that Putin has twisted the narrative of the city’s history to justify his claim that Odesa rightfully belongs to Russia. True, the city was founded on the orders of Russian Empress Catherine the Great at the end of the 18th century, and was part of a swath of Russian-controlled territory along the Black Sea known at the time as Novorossiya.
However, Trukhanov insisted one can still speak Russian in Odesa, as he does, and be a patriot. He is resisting pressure from some quarters to remove historic statues such as Catherine’s, saying such a move would be too divisive in wartime. The same goes for the statue of Alexander Pushkin that stands in front of the municipal building: “He is a world star of literature, not an occupier.”
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Russia steps up strikes on Ukraine amid counterattacksFighting in the Donetsk region has intensified in recent days as Russian forces appeared to emerge from a reported “operational pause.”
Les mer »
Ukraine Live Briefing: ‘No concrete result’ in U.S.-Russia prisoner release negotiations, Moscow saysWhat you need to know about the Ukraine-Russia war today: - Blinken’s announcement about a proposal to Russia to release Griner from custody heightened speculation it may involve Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. - Multiple strikes reported in Ukraine.
Les mer »
Russia 'redeploys' troops to south Ukraine, faces Kherson counter-attackThe Russian redeployment to the south appeared to be a switch to strategic defence from offence, a Ukrainian official says, with troops sent to Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Les mer »
Russia captures power station, redeploys troops toward southern UkraineRussian forces have taken over Ukraine's second-biggest power plant in eastern Donetsk region and are undertaking a 'massive redeployment' of troops to three southern regions, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said.
Les mer »
Russia and the West are vying for influence in Africa and Ukraine is a big reason whyRussia's foreign minister and France's president are visiting this week along with visits by U.S. officials in what some say is the most intense competition for influence there since the Cold War.
Les mer »
Live blog: Russia redeploys troops to Ukraine's south — KievRussia switches to strategic defence from offence with 'massive redeployment' of troops to Ukraine's south, says a senior adviser to President Zelenskyy as the fierce fighting enters 155th day Follow our live coverage: 👇
Les mer »