Odesa City Councilor Gennadiy Trukhanov declares military reserve for Odesa

Local Odessa official Gennadiy Trukhanov is preparing Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa for the dangers of the escalating war against Russian forces.

Odesa city officials have approved an order to build a military reserve fund for the territorial defense of the city, the press service of the Odesa City Council reported on Friday, April 29.

Gennadiy Trukhanov, the head of the Odesa City Territorial Defense Headquarters, signed the order, which will create an allocation of funds to ensure the territorial defense of Odesa, in accordance with Ukrainian law.

The funds are expected to be used to purchase weapons, personal protective equipment, medicines, and other necessary supplies.

The Odesa region has been relatively unaffected by direct attacks from Russian forces, but there are fears that the situation could change as the Russian military intensifies its offensive in eastern Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Russian missiles struck military facilities in Odesa, injuring one person and damaging buildings.

In response to the attack, the Odesa City Council warned residents to be prepared for the possibility of further attacks and to follow instructions from local authorities.

The council also urged residents to join the territorial defense forces and volunteer to help protect the city.

Trukhanov, the mayor of Odesa, said the city ispreparing for all possible scenarios. A state of martial law that was imposed at the start of the invasion is in effect.

"We understand that the enemy does not abandon its plans to capture Odesa, so we must be ready to defend our city," Trukhanov said.

Trukhanov’s move is designed to bolster the city’s defenses and help deter any potential attack from the Russian military.