Odesa's Dangerous Dance with Russia: Zelenskyy Sounds the Alarm
Russia intends to seize Odesa, potentially endangering Moldova and Romania, according to Zelenskyy's warning.
Get the inside scoop on the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit as we delve into President Zelenskyy's chilling revelation about Russia's terrifying war strategy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning about Russia's military intentions in Ukraine, stating that the Kremlin intends to capture the strategic port city of Odesa and advance toward the neighboring countries of Moldova and Romania[4, 5]. At the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit held in Odesa on June 11, 2025, Zelenskyy shed light on the Russian military's disturbing plans to destabilize the region and foment chaos[4].
Zelenskyy emphasized that the Russian government considers Ukraine not as an independent nation but as a resource-rich reservoir and a stepping stone for further aggression in Europe[4]. He expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Moldova could instigate further meddling in other European countries, potentially threatening their sovereignty and natural resources[4, 5].
In a chilling conclusion, Zelenskyy cautioned that if Russia's ambitions are unchecked, it could lead to a wave of regional instability and increased Russian military reach toward NATO borders[4].
Following Zelenskyy's warning, the Kremlin has dismissed allegations that it is targeting the Ukrainian president or foreign dignitaries in recent missile attacks on Odesa. Russian officials maintain that their military actions are focused on Ukrainian military infrastructure[5]. However, reports from Ukrainian and international observers indicate significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential areas and medical facilities, during these attacks[2, 5].
Jumping ahead, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has accused Moldova’s pro-European government of undermining negotiations concerning the breakaway region of Transnistria, while Moscow has hinted at an increased military presence there, stoking fears of escalation[5].
Analysts and Western government sources concur with Zelenskyy's warnings, suggesting that the Kremlin has demonstrated a steady eagerness to expand its influence, potentially including the capture of Odesa and other territories bordering Moldova and Romania[3, 4]. Kremlin rhetoric and military movements indicate a stubborn determination to pursue a prolonged conflict with the aim of seizing more battlefield victories in these areas[3, 4].
Be sure to check back soon for more updates from the front lines of Ukraine's battle for sovereignty.
- Ukraine
- Romania
- Moldova
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- Odesa
[1] Ukraine's President Zelenskyy issues warning over Russia's intentions to capture Odesa and advance toward Moldova and Romania[2] Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warns of Russian plans to capture Odesa and threaten the borders of Moldova and Romania[3] West assures Ukraine of its support in the face of Russian aggression[4] Russia's ambitions beyond annexed territories: Zelenskyy raises concerns over military expansion toward Moldova and Romania[5] Debate on minors' access to social media networks begins with three EU countries
- The discussions at the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit centered not only on Ukraine's immediate concerns with Russia, but also extended to war strategies and politics, as President Zelenskyy highlighted Russia's intentions to capture Odesa and advance toward Moldova and Romania.
- As the diplomatic tension between Russia and Ukraine escalates, general news outlets are reporting on increased military activity in the region, with concerns that Russia's ambitions could lead to a wave of instability and expanded military influence, impacting not just Ukraine, but neighboring countries like Moldova and Romania.
