Media claim Odesa is Putin's top target, Ukraine responds
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian leader (Getty Images)
A rumor has surfaced in the media claiming that the main goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin is the occupation of Odesa. In reality, the Kremlin's leader seeks the total destruction of Ukraine, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Media rumors
The Financial Times, quoting an unnamed senior European official, reported that Russia’s current primary objective is the capture of Odesa — a city Putin considers historically Russian.
Without Odesa, Ukraine would lose access to its main port.
Kovalenko's response
"These publications about Putin planning to occupy something — that’s something. Putin actually wants to completely destroy Ukraine, but he can wish for anything he wants. There is no point in writing about his plans to occupy Odesa or anything else. He can plan all he wants, but he won't succeed," Kovalenko emphasized.
He added that Ukraine, for its part, is planning the destruction of Putin’s regime.
Russia's plans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier warned that Russia is planning to occupy Odesa.
According to the head of state, after capturing the city, Moscow aims to reach the borders with Moldova and Romania.
