Mark Sleboda explains if Russia can capture Odessa, Sanctions relief for Russia & their objectives (IGI)

Russia’s eyes are on Odessa — the strategic port city that could determine the future of the Black Sea region. If captured, Russia could reshape the map and choke Ukraine's access to maritime trade. But there's a catch: an amphibious assault on Odessa could be devastating, with potentially massive Russian casualties.



The only real way of taking control of Odessa would be through a complete military defeat of the Ukrainians, with attacks coming from the north after the fall of Kiev. What is true is that the Ukrainian side is losing and that there is a hawkish sentiment in Moscow about ending the war on their terms. The Russians won't back down. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, April 24, 2025.]