Odessa Resilience Amid War: A New Year in the Shadow of Conflict

This year began with a heavy reminder of Odessa’s resilience amid war. This year didn’t start well for Odessa. The war is far from over, and the last two weeks have been a harsh reminder of that. Odessa has faced relentless missile attacks, causing significant damage to its historic center and vital infrastructure.

Missiles continue to fly, sirens wail through the cold nights, and the uncertainty of tomorrow hangs heavy over the city. Just yesterday, another strike hit the port district—one more blow to a city that’s endured so much already. We’re no strangers to this, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the city's resilience remains unwavering. Residents continue to support one another, maintaining daily routines and preserving cultural traditions. This steadfast spirit exemplifies Odessa's determination to endure and rebuild, even in the face of adversity.

Aftermath of a missile attack on a shopping mall in Odessa, a stark reminder of the city's enduring challenges amid war.

It feels lonelier this year, too. Everyone is so far away, and my conversations have become fragments of what they used to be. Connectivity has suffered as much as we have—power cuts and disrupted networks make even a simple call a rare luxury. I can’t help but wonder how different your New Year feels from mine.

But despite it all, Odessa holds its head high. The people here are unshaken in their determination to move forward, to protect what’s ours. It’s not the kind of start to the year anyone would wish for, but in this city, resilience is a way of life. And so we carry on, through the sirens and the silence, hoping for a time when the new year brings peace instead of war.