Members of the 122nd separate brigade of Ukraine's territorial defense have completed a cleaning initiative at the Cossack Sotnykivske cemetery in Odessa. The defenders restored one of the city's most significant historical monuments, which counters Russian myths about Odessa's origins.

The initiative was led by Lieutenant Colonel Denys Nosikov, who explained the symbolic importance of the work done, as reported by the 122nd separate brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to him, this place dismantles the enemy narrative about the city's character and its true history.

“This is one of the most distinguished sites of Ukrainian Odessa. By its very existence, it disproves the enemy myth that Odessa is supposedly a 'Russian city'. The first graves appeared here in 1791, which is earlier than Empress Catherine II allegedly 'founded Odessa',” noted Lieutenant Colonel Nosikov.

The commander drew a parallel between military service and the restoration of the historical site. He emphasized that the fight against misinformation is as critical as combat operations on the front lines.

“We are clearing weeds — both in the trenches at the front and right here in Odessa. The weeds here can be likened to Russian propaganda — myths and fakes that the occupiers have used to clutter the city’s history. There is still much work to be done, but we will do everything for victory!” emphasized Denys Nosikov.

Historical facts confirm Odessa's Ukrainian roots. The first mention of Cossacks in the Odessa region dates back to 1489, that is, the 15th century, several centuries before the Russian period in the region's history. The city is economically and culturally connected to all regions of Ukraine, with its development based on Ukrainian grain long before the arrival of Russians here.