Odesa Beaches Reopen Amidst Russian Invasion

Beaches in Odesa, Ukraine's largest port city, have officially reopened for swimming for the first time since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. However, bathing during air raid alerts remains banned due to relentless waves of Russian attacks over the last 17 months, which have filled the waters with sea mines. Despite the official ban, some people have continued to swim. The city's beaches were further affected by filthy waters from the collapse of a Russia-controlled dam in June. The reopening of the beaches is seen as a distraction from the ongoing war, but Odesa remains a target, with recent Russian strikes damaging critical infrastructure in the city.