Klaipėda delegation visits Odesa to study civil defense

A delegation from Klaipėda, Lithuania, visited Odesa, Ukraine, to study crisis management and civil protection strategies. The delegation, including Vice Mayor Algirdas Kamarauskas, met with Odesa military administration officials and rescue services to exchange expertise on protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring resident safety during wartime.

During the visit, officials inspected sites damaged by Russian aggression, including buildings in the UNESCO-protected old town and local sports facilities. Discussions focused on practical measures such as shelter installation, child safety, and maintaining municipal services under attack. The delegation also explored a Ukrainian initiative to develop an information system that helps citizens locate the nearest available shelter quickly.

The trip involved direct exposure to active conflict conditions. The delegation reported encountering intense drone activity, including witnessing an air defense system intercept a drone and an explosion occurring near their accommodation. They also noted the logistical challenges of the region, such as navigating damaged infrastructure and using pontoon bridges after a bridge strike.