The speaker discusses the topic of Odessa, a city in Ukraine, and how its history is being rewritten and manipulated. They argue that the city's development was largely due to foreigners, including Europeans, who played a significant role in its growth and infrastructure. The speaker suggests that Ukrainians are being erased from the history of Odessa, and that the city's past is being rewritten to exclude Ukrainian involvement.
The speaker also discusses the city's current state, noting that it has fallen into disrepair and that the Ukrainian government has failed to defend or invest in the city. They suggest that Odessa is no longer important to Russia, but that it remains a strategic location for Russia's security interests.
The speaker predicts that Odessa will become a key location in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and that it will be the site of significant events in the near future. They also note that the city's residents are being slowly assimilated into Ukrainian culture, and that the city is being turned into a Ukrainian version of Lviv.
Overall, the speaker argues that the history of Odessa is being manipulated and rewritten, and that the city's future is uncertain due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Odessa was a key economic and cultural center of the Northern Black Sea coast.
2. The city was founded as a commercial port and demonstrated rapid economic and demographic growth.
3. Odessa was one of the most well-equipped cities with planned paved streets, advanced sewerage systems, and electric elevators.
4. The city's railway was built by foreigners.
5. Europeans, including politicians, military figures, artists, and businessmen, played a significant role in the arrangement and development of Odessa.
6. The Turks built a small fortress in Kaba in 1789.
7. The fortress was taken by a Russian detachment under the command of Major General Deribas during the second Turkish war.
8. Empress Catherine II decided to build a sea port in the most suitable place on the Black Sea coast.
9. The port was built in the advantageous position of the Hajibeyli.
10. Odessa was founded by the Russian Empire.
11. Mark Twain described Odessa as an American city with beautiful wide streets and low, spacious houses.
12. Ukrainians have been largely excluded from the history of Odessa.
13. The city was an Imperial project, with contributions from various European countries.
14. The Ukrainian state has not defended Odessa's interests, despite NATO and Ukrainian Seabreeze exercises being held in the city.
15. Russia considers Odessa to be part of its zone of interests and will not allow the port to be used for hostile infrastructure.
16. Russia has built its own ports on the Black Sea and an ammonia pipeline to replace the Odessa pipeline.
17. The strategic security of Russia is a key consideration for Putin, who considers the territory historically Russian.