The Chairman of the National Assembly of the French Republic Yael Bron-Pivet visited Odesa. This was reported by the head of the Odesa Regional State Administration Oleh Kiper, UNN reports.
"Given all the historical ties between France and Odesa region, the main focus of the meeting was to protect our people. We inspected the seaport, which has been repeatedly attacked by enemy missiles and drones. I reported on the security situation in the region and the functioning of the grain corridor. We discussed in detail the routes of civilian vessels, as well as the challenges and dangers they face. Together with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, they emphasized the importance of restoring port infrastructure and protecting Odesa region from systemic attacks by the aggressor. Special attention was paid to strengthening air defense forces in the region," Kiper said.
He added that Bron-Pivet had personally witnessed the consequences of Russian terrorism, including the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and strongly condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
"We are grateful to the Chairman of the National Assembly of the French Republic, Yael Bron-Pivet, for his visit and special attention to Odesa region," he summarized.
As Kiper previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reinforced Odesa's air defense system.
"If I'm not mistaken, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych has visited us seven or eight times in nine months, so we have sufficient communication. I am grateful to him for hearing our needs. He has strengthened our air defense, pulled up our partners. He loves Odesa," Kiper said in an interview with Glavkom.
Odesa region has become the epicenter of international meetings. Last year, more than 100 delegations visited the region. For example, in December, Spyridon Lambridis, Special Envoy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Ukraine, and Dimitrios Dokhtis, Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Odesa, visited Odesa region. They both condemned the Russian attacks and declared the readiness of the Greek side to contribute to the reconstruction of Odesa region in the postwar period. That same month, Kiper met with Swedish officials to discuss Russia's ongoing attacks and to seek further support for regional security. As a result of the meeting, Odesa expects Swedish assistance in strengthening regional security. In November, the newly appointed British Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Odesa . During the visit, Cameron familiarized himself with the consequences of Russian terrorism targeting Ukrainian grain, port civilian infrastructure, and architectural monuments in Odesa.