Eight years ago, after the annexation of Crimea and aggression in eastern Ukraine, it seemed that the next might be a little lazy, pragmatic Odessa – a strategically important object on the Black Sea coast. A city with its own characteristics, criminality and diversity. A city in which representatives of about 130 nations and nationalities successfully coexist, with their own color, faith and “cockroaches” in their heads. And try with them, with everyone, not to quarrel! It is not for nothing that a kind of historical trail stretches behind the inhabitants of Odessa – peacefulness and the desire to negotiate. 

They say, including this feature could play a cruel joke with the inhabitants of Odessa in 2014. Like, some local merchants, just in case, having packed their bags, intended to negotiate with the Kremlin. Well, so that they don’t bomb and business is not a nightmare … Would something like this happen? We’ll never know. History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood. But she showed that a seemingly apolitical metropolis is very capable of a hurricane of emotions, mass protests, riots and street fights… 

Yes, after the bloody events of 2014, Odessa took a long time to recover. Opponents dispersed “in the corners”, and appeared, as a rule, to celebrate (each in his own way) sacred dates. There were rumors: pro-Ukrainian activists quarreled among themselves, they say, now everyone has their own interests and goals. As a result, the city in the patriotic sense was very weakened … 

Of course, such moments cannot but disturb in the context of the threat of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the northern neighbor, who has long had his eye on the “pearl”. 

Recently, a video appeared on the Internet from supposedly local separatists. A man in a hood and mask pulled over his forehead claims that he represents the Free City of Odessa movement, which claims responsibility for setting fire to the car of the former head of the Kiev cell of the National Corps Sergei Filimonov. Like, the “underground” is raising its head, and the SBU failed to detain a single member of this movement. Of course, it is not a fact that the recording was made by Odessa residents. But it still tickles the nerves of Odessa-mother. Moreover, in the context of the detention of an agent of the Russian special services who ordered sabotage in South Palmyra, in particular, damage to a memorial sign and arson of military vehicles … 

However, pro-Ukrainian activists soon responded by declaring their readiness to defend the city. They recorded a corresponding video message, which is actively replicated on social networks. In the video, representatives of various patriotic organizations address potential invaders in Ukrainian and Russian. They claim that if necessary, they will act as a united front to protect Odessa-mother. Activists say they already proved their loyalty to the city in 2014 and reminded them of the local catacombs, which will become a reliable shelter for the guerrillas. The guys with weapons in their hands say: despite all the disagreements that have arisen between them in recent years, regardless of the language they communicate in and which temples they go to, they will stand side by side against the invaders.

“We have nowhere to retreat, only the sea is behind us. We have something to meet you… Odessa has always been famous for its diversity of nationalities and hospitality, but only for those who come to us in peace…” the activists emphasize. 

This appeal has already received a reaction from opponents. A certain townswoman turned to the police with a request to find out if these men have permission to carry firearms …  

And again the answer: the headquarters of the defense of Odessa, which includes a number of pro-Ukrainian organizations, announced the holding of open classes for the population. In the coming days, they promise a large-scale military training for ordinary people to teach them how to defend themselves in the event of an invasion by the Russian Federation. Anyone with any skill level can take part.

“In connection with the build-up of Russian troops on the borders with Ukraine, as well as the lack of effective actions by the authorities to strengthen the army and the territorial defense, the issue of civil defense is more acute than ever. As the experience of 2014 shows, we can only rely on our own forces,” it was said. in the message.

During the preparation, instructors with combat experience will teach how to handle weapons, tactics, present an exposition with models of weapons, ammunition, etc. 

Presumably, the proposal will receive a response among the residents of South Palmyra, who do not want to repeat the fate of Lugansk and Donetsk. Tanks on the streets, occupiers (no matter what language they speak) – the prospect, frankly, is not very… 

And, although many Odessans do not believe in a full-scale war with the “fraternal people”, a possible invasion is still being discussed. For example, on the famous Cathedral Square, where old-timers often gather to play chess and “look at people”. I especially remember the answer of one player: “So got this military threat that I already have a machine gun in the toilet …”. It is not known whether there is a “Lewis” or “Maxim” gun in the latrine of the old chess player, or he joked in a purely Odessa manner, but one thing is clear – the invaders hardly have to believe in bread and salt. The history of past years and the activity of the patriots who seemed to be a little “asleep” show that in the event of an invasion, blood can be shed in Odessa. A lot of blood.

(C)UNIAN 2022