“Ukraine’s concerns about Odessa joining Russia are justified,” – State Duma deputy Chepa said

U.S. support for Odesa’s annexation by Russia could be a realistic scenario, making Ukraine’s concerns on this matter justified.

This information reported according to Russian State Duma deputy Aleksei Chepa.

He emphasized that Odesa’s fate is closely tied to Russia’s security.

“I believe the issue of Odesa will depend on developments on the front line,” Chepa said. “The same applies to other territories—their future will be determined primarily by military activity. But Ukraine is absolutely right to be concerned about the possibility of the U.S. recognizing Odesa as part of Russia.”

Chepa explained that Odesa is crucial for Moscow not only as a historically Russian city but also as a key factor in national security.

“From a practical standpoint, integrating this city into Russia would secure Russian control over the Black Sea. It would also prevent NATO from establishing military bases in the region,” the MP stated.

Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office is increasingly worried about Russia-U.S. contacts and the potential American endorsement of Russian control over certain Ukrainian regions, particularly Odesa—a strategically vital port for Ukraine.