Zelensky and Greek PM Plan Odesa Recovery

In a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proposed that Athens help rebuild Odesa’s port infrastructure, which would also support regional transport and logistics corridors across Southeast Europe.

Both sides agreed that their governments would begin working on the initiative. 

Mitsotakis – and several Greek businesses – attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in July, an effort Zelensky thanked him for.

As per the Presidential Office press service, the two leaders also talked about enhancing air defense coordination with partners. Zelensky highlighted a new tool – PURL – for purchasing US weapons, developed jointly with NATO countries, and shared early results.

They also coordinated on upcoming diplomatic efforts and joint actions with international partners.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Wednesday, Aug. 6, Russian forces launched another drone attack on the Odesa region.

According to Oleh Kiper, head of the Regional Military Administration, the strike targeted the Izmail district.

“Despite the active work of our air defense forces, there is damage to the gas infrastructure. A fire broke out at the site, which was extinguished by firefighters at 07:25. Work is currently underway to release gas from the system,” Kiper wrote on Telegram.

The fire destroyed production equipment, and damage to a main gas pipeline temporarily cut off service to 2,500 consumers.

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Zelensky added that Russia has begun redeploying air defense systems to protect Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, weakening other regions.

Odesa has been a frequent target since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. UNESCO added the city’s historic center to its list of endangered sites last year.

A Russian drone strike on July 24 caused extensive damage in Odesa, hitting residential areas, historic landmarks, and parts of the city’s UNESCO-listed center, local officials reported.

The nearly 200-year-old Pryvoz Market - an iconic symbol of the city - caught fire during the attack. Firefighters battled the blaze well into the morning as thick smoke rose over the surrounding area.

The market, which has survived wars, revolutions, and the Nazi blockade during WWII, was badly damaged.

A nine-story residential building was also hit, with the 5th through 8th floors destroyed. Fires broke out on multiple levels, and authorities warned the structure could collapse.

Emergency crews evacuated 33 people and rescued five more trapped inside. Search dogs were deployed to check for others.

According to Kiper, the strike sparked multiple fires across the city – including at a gas station, a two-story home, and several market stalls. Despite active air defenses, some drones got through, damaging historic architecture in Odesa’s protected city center.