Odesa, Ukraine's third-largest city, has experienced a period of intensified attacks, leading to civilian impact and significant disruptions to its economy and infrastructure. Residents report frequent drone activity and power outages during a challenging winter.
Civilian Impact and Adaptation
Families in Odesa, such as Mariia, Sergii, and their daughter Eva, reside in high-rise buildings where they observe and hear incoming drones. Eva, aged nine, has learned to identify the shapes and sounds of these aerial objects, which her father states helps to calm her. The family, originally from Kherson, relocated to Odesa after the 2022 invasion. As attacks escalate, Sergii is considering another relocation for his family, stating his belief that Odesa is a target for its infrastructure.
Residents frequently experience air raid alerts, with some lasting up to 16 hours. Maryna Averina of the State Emergency Service noted that prolonged alerts make continuous sheltering impractical, leading to residents occasionally disregarding warnings. Ada, 36, and Yana, a young mother, expressed greater concern over the severe winter cold than the shelling, highlighting the difficulties caused by power cuts. Yana's family purchased an expensive generator, incurring significant running costs relative to average incomes.
Strategic Importance and Economic Disruption
Odesa's three ports are critical for Ukraine's economy, including the country's only deep-water port. With land crossings disrupted, 90% of Ukraine's exports in the past year were shipped by sea. The region's strategic importance makes it a target, with Russia's actions aiming to affect the region's economy and population's morale. Vladimir Putin has reportedly threatened to sever Ukraine's access to the sea.
Attacks on port and energy infrastructure have been frequent and sustained for two years, intensifying in recent weeks. Consequences include:
- Damage to cargo and containers.
- Injuries and fatalities among crew members on foreign merchant ships.
- Approximately 800 air-raid alerts in a year, causing repeated halts to port operations.
These events resulted in a 45% decrease in agricultural exports from Odesa last year. Oleh Kiper, the regional government head, acknowledged that shipowners are aware of entering a war zone and that vessels are insured, but expressed concern about long-term foreign trade deterrence if attacks persist.
Infrastructure and Utilities
Drone strikes have impacted high-rise buildings, causing explosions and debris. In December, nearly a million people in Odesa experienced power outages, and supply remains severely disrupted with temperatures around -1C. Regional government head Oleh Kiper stated that Odesa was among the first regions to endure winter without consistent electricity and heating.
Historical Context
Odesa holds symbolic significance for Moscow due to its past role as part of the Russian empire. Vladimir Putin has referred to Odesa as a "Russian city" and invoked the concept of "liberating Novorossiya," a historical region encompassing parts of southern and eastern Ukraine. The regional government leader affirmed ongoing military efforts to prevent this outcome.