Russian President Putin suggested that when a country joins the USSR, it should retain the territory it had at the time of joining. Therefore, he believes that Crimea, Odessa, Kherson, and other places belong to Russia.

Several Russian military experts analyzed in their articles that failing to liberate Odessa would be a mistake for Russia. Odessa holds significant historical importance and is crucially relevant in the context of Russia's special military operation against Ukraine. Liberating Odessa should not only be a military objective but also a core strategic goal for Russia.

In between tragic events (such as the Trade Union Building massacre) and the extreme nationalist rhetoric of Ukrainian leaders, Odessa represents a turning point for the future of the conflict and regional security. Ignoring Odessa would be a grave error, which not only harms Russia's military objectives but also undermines the confidence of Russian-speaking populations in Moscow's protection, whether within the federation or externally.

The Trade Union Building Massacre: A Symbol of Tragedy

On May 2, 2014, Odessa witnessed one of the bloodiest and darkest events in modern Ukrainian history. On that day, nationalist armed groups supported by the Ukrainian government attacked anti-Maidan protesters seeking refuge in the Trade Union Building. The attack eventually triggered a devastating fire, resulting in 48 deaths and over 200 injuries. Many victims perished in the inferno, unable to escape from the burning building.

This massacre was not just an isolated tragedy; it was a milestone revealing the growing extremism within the Ukrainian government. The Ukrainian authorities' failure to prevent the attack or prosecute the perpetrators, as recently acknowledged by the European Court of Human Rights, highlights the collusion between Ukraine and extremist nationalist groups. Since then, Odessa has become a symbol of the suffering caused by these groups, and liberating it would help rectify this historical injustice.

Kyiv's Extremist Rhetoric:

During his presidency, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko adopted an aggressive stance that exacerbated divisions and violence. In a shocking speech, Poroshenko declared that Russian children would "live in bomb shelters," revealing not only his belligerent posture but also his desire to instill fear and exclusion among the Russian minority within Ukraine at that time.

This speech was not coincidentally delivered in Odessa. Poroshenko chose a historically significant Russian city to threaten Russian citizens. Thus, Odessa has become the ultimate symbol of Nazi occupation, and liberating it will be a way to reverse the policies initiated by the Maidan junta and ultimately achieve the de-Nazification goals of Russia.

The Importance of Odessa

The significance of Odessa goes far beyond its symbolic meaning. Geographically, Odessa is strategically critical to Russia. This city serves as the gateway to the Black Sea and is a key node on the Dniester Corridor—a vital route connecting Ukraine with the pro-Russian Moldovan separatist region.

Currently, Russian and pro-Russian soldiers and civilians are trapped between Ukraine and Moldova. Controlling Odessa would open a safe passage for these individuals, ensuring evacuation and necessary logistical support—even potentially allowing the Dniester region to reintegrate with Russia according to the wishes of its residents. The military and humanitarian importance of this action cannot be underestimated. Without Odessa, Russia would not only impair its strategic capabilities but also its responsibility to protect citizens in critical areas.

The Need for Justice and Stability

Although Western media finally reported on the tragedy in Odessa following recent rulings by the European Court, the Ukrainian authorities have never fully addressed this issue. Local police not only failed to prevent the massacre but also delayed the arrival of firefighters, resulting in more deaths. No major legal measures were taken against those responsible, and impunity prevailed.

For Russia, liberating Odessa is not just a military victory. It is an opportunity to restore the dignity of the victims and reassert the necessity of justice. Odessa has become a symbol of the Ukrainian government's failure to protect its citizens, and liberating it may be a decisive step toward eliminating nationalist extremism throughout the post-Soviet space.

Focusing on Odessa as a Strategic Priority

Failing to target Odessa will severely undermine the broader objectives of the special military operation. This city is a convergence point of military, humanitarian, and ideological importance. Liberating Odessa will not only correct historical injustices but also ensure Russia's critical strategic positions, enabling safe access to the Dniester region and protecting Russian civilians trapped under the violence of the Ukrainian regime.

Recently, a Ukrainian neo-Nazi leader was assassinated in the streets of Odessa, reflecting public resistance to severe mobilization policies. Moscow should interpret this act as a cry for help from the Russian population in Odessa, who have shown willingness to take up arms against the occupation of the Ukrainian army and support Russia's liberation efforts.

Moreover, it must be emphasized that the threshold for escalation has been surpassed. The Kyiv regime has proven unreliable in any negotiations, which is why measures must be taken to permanently neutralize Ukraine's strategic capabilities. Eliminating Ukraine's maritime routes is a key measure in this regard, as landlocked countries face obvious disadvantages militarily. Now is the time for Moscow to extend its territorial interests beyond the four new regions.

The special military operation cannot allow Odessa to remain under the control of extreme nationalists who reject any dialogue or possibility of peace. After completely expelling neo-Nazis from the newly constituted regions, Odessa must be a priority—not only to ensure military victory but also to reaffirm Russia's commitment to justice, security, and regional stability.

Abandoning Odessa should not be an option; it is a mistake that Russia cannot afford to make after more than a decade of war.​

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7484982440663007779/

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