Western officials admit that the Russian Federation may try to seize Odesa in 2023. This is reported by Foreign Policy.

The publication, citing a high-ranking Western official who has familiarized himself with the intelligence data, notes that Russia may decide to launch a new major offensive against Ukraine early next year. This would include capturing Odesa and the country's southwest coast.

"It is anticipated that Ukraine may face another very serious Russian offensive next year. And we have to do everything we can to give not only equipment but also people -- fresh people, well-trained people -- to try to survive that," he said.