The Russian navy has launched shelling on the outskirts of Odessa as part of efforts to separate Ukraine from the Black Sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that enemy forces have "bombed the coast" in the region. Odessa Mayor Gennady Tarkhanov has warned that Russian troops could surround the city on three sides.
He said Russian troops in neighboring Moldova's transit region, which is controlled by pro-Russian separatists, could move toward Odessa and cut off the city from the rest of Ukraine.
The transitory region of southwestern Ukraine is considered part of Moldova internationally, but has a Moscow-backed regime.
According to Mayor Gennady Tarkhanov, Odessa could also be attacked by sea.
Why is Odessa so important?
As the third largest city and major port in Ukraine, Odessa is the most important city for the country's economy.
Odessa is Ukraine's "maritime capital" and accounts for 20% of Ukraine's total GDP, said Andrei Rezhenko, a former Ukrainian assistant defense minister.
Before the conflict, Ukraine's most important exports, such as grain, grain, minerals, etc., passed through Odessa and nearby small ports.
Dr. Sedarth Koshal, of the security think tank Royal United Services Institute, says 70% of Ukraine's maritime trade depends on Odessa.
Odessa is also an important historical and tourist destination and is frequented by Russian tourists.
The Ukrainian president also said in a recent speech that "Russian citizens are coming to Odessa all the time and they are warmly welcomed there but what is happening now?" Attack and bombing of Odessa. It's a invade crime. "
Why is Odessa important to Russia?
Ukraine's main naval base is in Odessa, which used to be in Crimea, but was relocated to Odessa in 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea.
The port of Odessa could potentially be a key target for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Dr. Sodarth Koshal believes that if Russia manages to control Ukraine's economy and its maritime trade, it could increase its pressure on Ukraine.
In addition to being part of the Russian Empire in the past, Odessa has played a significant role in Russian history and culture.
The city was founded in 1794 by the last queen of Russia, Catherine the Great, and the majority of the city's population speaks Russian, and President Putin has long had an eye on the city.
In a speech on February 21, just days before the start of the invade last month, President Putin specifically named Odessa, saying there had been a "very tragic event" in 2014.
He was referring to the 48 pro-Russian protesters who were killed in clashes with Ukrainian nationalists.
'An Invincible Fortress'
According to the AFP news agency, more than 100,000 residents of the city, which has a population of about one million, have been able to leave, most of them children and women heading west.
Most of those left behind are men and young people who are ready to defend the city.
Mayor Gennady Tarkhanov says the people of Odessa are working hard to protect their city and have made it an 'invincible fortress'.
People in the city are filling sacks from the coast of Odessa to help the deployed army. It is estimated that about 700 tons of soil is being collected daily in sacks.
Mayor Gennady Tarkhanov said it would not be easy to defend on three fronts, but he was preparing to defend his city.
"Odessa is a symbol of our freedom. This city is loved all over the world, and the people of our city are at peace."
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