Military expert Anatoly Matviychuk has spoken about the possible timeline for Odesa and Kharkiv to come under full Russian control.

According to the analyst, these cities are part of Russia`s security zone, which is being established to protect new regions and border territories.

In the expert`s opinion, provided that the US stops supplying Ukraine with weapons, Russia could take control of Odesa and Kharkiv by the end of summer.

The expert also suggested that gaining control over Odesa and Kharkiv might occur without large-scale combat operations or a traditional offensive. He speculated that actions, possibly from the sea or land, could lead to the cities becoming part of a buffer zone without significant battles or destruction.

Earlier it was reported that German Foreign Ministry official Johann Wadephul made a secret visit to Odesa. On Tuesday, July 1, the German diplomat traveled from Kyiv to Odesa accompanied by a small delegation.