Zelensky: Russia is planning to bomb Odessa

published on 3/6/22 5:14 PM

Volodymyr Zelensky

Photo: EPA/BGNES

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a televised address that Russia was preparing to bomb the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odessa. "Artillery, bombs against Odessa. This will be a war crime," he said. Zelensky continued in Russian with the words:

"Citizens of Russia, for you this is a struggle not only for peace in Ukraine. This is a struggle for your country, as well. To live better in it. For the freedom you saw. For the progress you have felt. If you keep quiet now, then your poverty will speak for you afterwards. And in response there will be only repression. Don't be silent!"

Meanwhile, pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian National Guard exchanged accusations about the repeated failure of an opportunity to open a humanitarian corridor for Mariupol citizens. This afternoon, the Ukrainian city had to evacuate some of the 400,000 residents trapped by the surrounding Russian forces. Only 300 people managed to leave Mariupol out of the planned 200,000.

In a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Russia to declare a general ceasefire immediately. Erdogan has expressed readiness to contribute to finding a peaceful solution as soon as possible. In response, Putin said that a halt to the Russian military operation was possible only if Kyiv ceased hostilities and complied with Moscow's demands, TASS reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who met with Putin in Moscow, also joined the mediation efforts.

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