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Russia Plans to Seize Odesa and Push Toward NATO Border, Zelenskyy Warns
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
During the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit held in Odesa on June 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia plans to seize the city of Odesa and push toward the borders of Moldova and Romania.
According to Zelenskyy, Odesa remains one of Russia’s primary military objectives. He warned that Moscow sees Ukraine not as a sovereign state but as a reservoir of resources and a military platform for future aggression in the region.
“Russian military plans indicate an intention to move through Odesa and reach the Moldovan and Romanian borders,” the president said.
Zelenskyy noted that the Kremlin is seeking to provoke chaos across southeastern Europe. “We have seen Russia engage in similar actions in the Balkans, fueling ethnic tensions, orchestrating sabotage operations, and attempting coups,” he added.
He also pointed to previous Russian efforts to manipulate public opinion in Romania and to maintain political and economic instability in Moldova over the past three decades.
The president warned that a loss in Moldova would further encourage Russian interference in other European countries. “If Europe loses in Moldova this year, it will motivate Russia to interfere more aggressively in your countries—taking your resources, your sovereignty, and your history,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized the importance of supporting Moldova’s European integration.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine requires enhanced defensive capabilities, including air defense systems and interceptors, to protect its cities and energy infrastructure.
He stated that Russia now uses over 300 drones daily to target Ukraine’s energy system, with some days approaching 500 strikes. In response, Ukraine is developing new air defense technologies and seeking funding for their mass production. However, due to the evolving tactics of Russian attacks, the location and movement of Ukrainian defense systems remain confidential.
He also underlined the significance of long-term security guarantees for Odesa and the region: “We need protection now, but more importantly, we need guarantees that this cannot happen again.”
Zelenskyy called for stronger international sanctions, particularly targeting Russia’s oil sector. He suggested that lowering the price cap on Russian oil to $30 per barrel would have a more tangible effect than the current $60 cap.
The president reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for EU accession negotiations, stating that the country meets all necessary criteria and that delays in progress undermine European efforts. He also urged continued NATO support and emphasized that the Alliance is central to Europe’s security architecture.
Regarding infrastructure, Zelenskyy called for deeper regional cooperation in transport, energy, communications, and digital systems. He emphasized the strategic importance of alternate logistics routes through neighboring countries due to Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports.
Concluding his remarks, Zelenskyy asked partner states to treat post-war security guarantees as a practical requirement. “From air defense to cyber threats, we need real tools for deterrence and rapid response,” he said.
Earlier, Colonel Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, told reporters in Washington that Russia plans to seize all Ukrainian territory east of the Dnipro River and cut off access to the Black Sea by 2026, including offensives toward Odesa and Mykolaiv, according to Politico.
