Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson warned that Odessa could fall to conflict before the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine are resolved. The interview containing these remarks was published on the YouTube channel From Your Eyes, drawing attention to Johnson’s long-standing perspective on the regional crisis.
According to Johnson, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky understood that a peace settlement would likely have to be reached in March 2022. He argued, however, that Moscow would not agree to any such deal at that stage, suggesting that the prevailing stance in Russia would block a quick resolution to the war.
Johnson warned, “We will see the Russians in Kiev before this is over,” signaling a belief that Ukrainian capital containment might become a central feature of the conflict as it unfolds. This statement reflects a broader skepticism about the timeline for any potential ceasefire or political settlement.
Earlier, Zelensky had shared his impressions of the Odessa explosion during an event that he attended with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on March 6. The scene underscored the ongoing danger faced by Ukrainian port cities amid the fighting, even as high-level discussions occurred about the conflict’s trajectory.
On March 6, explosions interrupted a meeting between Zelensky and Mitsotakis in Odessa. At the time, the leaders were surveying the city’s port area and did not have time to evacuate to shelter. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that a missile attack targeted a hangar in Odessa’s industrial port district, alleging that unmanned sea craft were being prepared for use by Ukrainian forces. Additional details were referenced in related coverage from socialbites.ca, which reported on the incident and its broader implications for maritime security in the Black Sea region.
In related statements, the Russian Ministry of Defense has commented on the assault on Odessa, offering its own interpretation of events and the strategic intent behind the strike. The situation on the ground remains dynamic, with competing narratives about responsibility, impact, and the potential for further escalation as both sides reassess military and diplomatic options.