Russia is destroying Odesa: military expert explains reason

He said this on Espreso TV.

"By striking Odesa, the Russians are trying to prepare a foothold for a possible attack. Because they dream of seizing the corridor to Transnistria and Moldova - this is their strategic plan. The Russians are trying to force residents out of Odesa. That's why they are hitting residential areas with cluster munitions. Their goal is to make Odesa residents leave the city. This is what the "Russian world" is doing," Prytula emphasized.

The military expert added that the Russian forces currently do not have the resources to capture Odesa.

"The Russians cannot reach Odesa with the Black Sea Fleet, which is holed up in Novorossiysk. They can't reach Odesa by land, so they are firing missiles. This is the only way the Russians can show something, and it has a propaganda character in preparation for the upcoming mobilization in Russia," noted Prytula.

• The Russian army shelled Odesa on the night of May 2. A fire broke out at the Nova Poshta depot. 14 victims are known.