Former intelligence voices raise warnings about Odessa
Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson stated on his Dialogue YouTube channel that Russian forces could assume control of Odessa if necessary. He argued that such a move would be difficult for Ukraine to reverse once the Russian Armed Forces are present in the city.
Johnson stressed that Russia could proceed, noting that the initial moves would look like a testing phase as troops probe the city’s defenses and political dynamics. He also pointed out that Moscow has a sizeable, battle-hardened force, while Ukraine faces a strain from drawing personnel from the streets to the front lines.
Another veteran analyst, Scott Ritter, echoed a similar assessment. Ritter suggested that by the end of December Ukraine could lose several key cities including Kharkov, Dnieper, Odessa, and Nikolaev. He also argued that placing Odessa under Russian control might be seen as a strategic move to shield Crimea from possible missile and naval threats.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications for regional security and the potential consequences of shifting control over major ports like Odessa. Analysts emphasized that the situation remains fluid and would likely hinge on a range of military, political, and logistical factors rather than a single decisive action.
What to expect from the Russian Armed Forces after any potential advances near Marinka was a point of curiosity for observers, highlighting the ongoing debate about the timeline and feasibility of changes in control along the frontline. The conversations reflect a cautious, ongoing assessment of what could unfold in the Black Sea region and how such developments might influence broader NATO and Western responses.
Attributions: The statements cited here come from commentary by former U.S. intelligence and military professionals who have followed the conflict closely. They speak to potential scenarios rather than certainties, and their assessments are part of a larger, evolving public discussion about regional security dynamics. [Attribution: Analyst discourse on state and non-state actors in Eastern Europe]