Russians plotting provocations in Odesa, trying to pull Transnistria into war - Ukraine’s South Command

The ‘Ruscists’ are preparing provocations in Odesa and trying to involve residents of unrecognized Transnistria in the war against Ukraine, it appears, as Russia’s intelligence has already printed a “special issue” of the local newspaper dated May 2, where “terror attacks” are reported.

As Ukrinform reports, that’s according to Vladyslav Nazarov, a spokesman for Ukraine Army’s Operational Command South.

"On the eve of May 2, the Ruscists intensified a campaign to destabilize Odesa and the border areas, as well as their attempts to rally pro-Russian forces. In particular, intelligence was obtained about a subversion plot – an issue of the Transnistria newspaper dated May 2, 2022, with the ‘official appeal of the people of Transnistria’ to Putin for protection from the attack of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. By exposing this provocation, we have compromised the enemy’s plot," Nazarov said.

At the same time, Nazarov urged, Ukrainians should remain vigilant during the days when vigils are traditionally held in the country according to an Orthodox tradition, to avoid crowds and abide by the curfew which will be enforced in Odesa from 22:00 on May 1 to 17:00 on May 3.

The official added that the security and defense forces of Odesa region are also prepared to respond to the possible offensive of a Russian naval group, which has been blocking navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea and threatening missile strikes on Ukraine.

The representative of South Command added that on April 30 the enemy again launched a missile attack  at Odesa. This time, three Onyx missiles were launched from the occupied territory of Crimea by the Bastion missile system, hitting the city airport runway, rendering it inoperable.

As reported, on April 30, a group planning to stage a mass riot on May 2 was detained in Odesa.

According to the NPU's Strategic Investigations Department, Russia's special services, involving local gangs, intended to "destabilize the region by inciting riots, setting up mass protests" that could undermine statehood in an attempt to overthrow Ukraine’s government.