Published on: 2026-08-04
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On August 5, 1941, the defense of Odessa began – the city held off the onslaught of superior enemy forces for 73 days.
Strategic significance of the city
Odessa was not just a major port and industrial center: it connected the southern regions of the country, facilitated the transfer of cargo and troops, and its retention allowed control over a significant part of the northwestern coast of the Black Sea. The loss of the city would mean a serious weakening of positions in the south and a relief of enemy forces to advance in other directions.
That is why the Supreme High Command set the task of holding Odessa “to the last possibility.”
While the troops of the Southern Front were retreating to new lines (Chyhyryn, Voznesensk), the Separate Primorsky Army under the command of Lieutenant General Georgy Sofronov was left deep in the enemy’s rear to contain a large enemy grouping – the 4th Romanian Army.
At the same time, the enemy had numerical superiority, and the defenders’ supplies were delivered only by sea – overland routes were blocked. Transport ships and warships of the Black Sea Fleet made voyages through minefields and under continuous air strikes, delivering ammunition, fuel, and reinforcements. During the defense period, the fleet transported over 80,000 personnel and thousands of tons of cargo.
Residents’ participation in the city’s defense
Nearly the entire able-bodied population stood up to defend the city: 45 destroyer battalions and several volunteer units for street fighting were formed.
More than 100,000 residents of Odessa were involved in defensive works. In a very short time, they built three strong defensive lines: the advanced (20-25 km from the city), the main (10-14 km), and a cover line right on the outskirts.
The city’s enterprises were reoriented to meet defense needs: they mastered the repair of weapons and equipment and the production of military goods.
Troop evacuation
At the end of September, due to the deterioration of the situation on the Southern front and the need to strengthen troops for the defense of the Crimean Peninsula, the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief made the decision to evacuate the troops.
The defense of the city was successfully continuing, but simultaneously a systematic evacuation of troops, civilians, military equipment, and vehicles was taking place.
Early on the morning of October 16, the last ship departed from the pier and headed for Sevastopol. Romanian troops, fearing an ambush, entered Odessa only in the evening.
Operation Results
The defenders of the city tied down 18 enemy divisions for 73 days, totaling over 300,000 servicemen, who were unable to take part in the offensive on Crimea until mid-October.
The total losses of German-Romanian forces in the Odessa area amounted to over 160,000 service members, about 200 aircraft, and up to 100 tanks.
At the same time, Soviet forces suffered 16,578 irrecoverable losses and 24,690 wounded and sick.
For resilience and heroism in the defense of Odessa, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established the medal “For the Defense of Odessa,” awarded to over 130,000 people.
Eternal glory to the fighters.
We remember. We are proud.
#ScientificRegiment #ScientificRegiment2026
Subscribe to the Telegram channel “Our GUU” Publication date: 5.08.2026
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.