Why Odessa is so important to Ukraine and Russia

Recent missile strikes on Odessa in Ukraine's south continue to fuel speculation about Russian intentions for the strategic port on the Black Sea.

We've looked at why the city is of such great importance to both Ukraine and Russia.

[Wargasm]

Odessa is the most vital city right behind Kyiv. If Odessa falls, the war is lost.

[ludakapkina]

Odessa is Russian speaking and cosmopolitan city. Ukraine did not build this city. Ukraine sea port authority collects money in Odessa ports.

[maxpercer]

0:13 the contrast on that map is confusing. where is land, where is water

[latiefc]

This city was founded by Russian Empress Catherine the great

[delphipascal]

That map at 0:17 isn't very good. Please use different colours.

[james-imsj]

Even Hitler was smart enough to understand he cant stop shipping out of Odessa port.

[cobralord]

They couldn’t even encircle Kyiv so I highly doubt they can take Odessa, the place is heavily fortified and has hundreds of miles of catacombs which is a perfect for the defenders to hide and move around the city to ambush.

[iamtheomega]

neptune missile should enter the open doors of amphibious landing ship

[jimgreene]

Odesa also contains huge amount of tunnels & bunkers, ancient & modern.

[juliancochran]

Odesa is exceedingly beautiful, both the city and the people. I have family there awaiting this interence since 2014 end. Looking forward to its liberation so ordinary Ukranians can live there in peace without NATO.

[daleballard]

Odessa isn’t just important to Ukraine, it’s Part of their Country, no one should have to give up what is theirs.

[s.s.]

It's OdeSa (Ukrainian), not OdeSSa (Russian).

[takashisendai]

Odessa is extremely important, not just for Ukraine and Russia.
It is the eastern entrance to Europe. Think of its value in the future.

[omidpourhossein]

The ones that constantly throw around threats tend to do so because they’re struggling the most. Russia are really echoing North Korea and their rhetoric at the moment.

[marTn]

Good eye contact, use it on Putin to freighting him lol

[bombheadgames]

If an antisubmarine torpedo were armed and dropped from a drone what happens? Ther are also antisubmarine missiles too.

[LyonPercival]

Odessa is important to Ukraine BECAUSE IT IS UKRAINIAN LAND!!!

[alanshackelford]

I find it perplexing that NATO has decided to cede the Black Sea to Putin as though it is come kind of Russian lake! Remember international maritime law? I believe it is actually a forerunner of international law.

[Yara-oxmy]

noticed errors in your video. First, Odesa is spelled with one "s". Secondly, you used the wrong map of Russia, because the Crimean peninsula belongs to Ukraine. Do your homework

[esterherschkovich]

Look back 2014 killings in Donbass....Always innocent suffer...All Wars...Peace for everyone 💛Families are mix of Russian and Ukrainians...very hard...Feel for people.