Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov, commenting on the military-operational situation around Odesa, suggested that the Russian troops plan to encircle and cut off Odesa from Voznesensk, unrecognized Transnistria and the Black Sea, the city is preparing for defense.

"According to the information that we have today, the ships [of Russia], which were not far from Odesa, have now relocated to Crimean region. A separate grouping of the aggressor has moved to Voznesensk. Thus, we assume that the aggressor plans to take our city through Voznesensk and Transnistria. Thus, the city will be cut off and surrounded," Trukhanov said at a briefing for foreign media at Odesa Information Defense Center.

He also suggested that Russian amphibious assault ships would surround the city from the sea.

According to Trukhanov, Odesa is preparing for a possible invasion, and strategic stocks of food, medicines and long-term food products are being formed.

He also said daily humanitarian aid from all over the world comes to the city.