Ezra A. Cohen: What is happening here? What is Pompeo doing in Odessa?

Ezra A. Cohen: What is happening here? What is Pompeo doing in Odessa?
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This according to perplexity.ai
Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director, visited Odesa in late May 2025 to participate as a keynote speaker at the Black Sea Security Forum, an international event focused on security issues in the Black Sea region. The forum, initiated by Ukrainian parliamentarians under Oleksii Goncharenko, has become a significant geopolitical event in southern Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
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At the forum, Pompeo delivered a speech emphasizing the necessity of a clear victory over Russia in the ongoing conflict, stating that the only tolerable outcome for the world is "victory" for the "good guys," meaning Ukraine and its allies, and defeat for Russia. He rejected the idea of a peace agreement with Vladimir Putin, characterizing Putin as intent on restoring a greater Russian Empire. Pompeo stressed the importance of sustained deterrence and Western resolve beyond any ceasefire.
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During a Q&A session, Pompeo addressed the issue of Crimea, asserting that Crimea should remain a functional part of Ukraine, even if immediate reintegration seems unattainable. He suggested that changes could happen over time with sufficient Western resolve and cost-imposing actions.
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Pompeo's visit and speech coincided with significant Ukrainian military actions, including a major drone attack on Russian bombers deep inside Russia the following day, and subsequent strikes on the Crimean Bridge. His presence was seen as a strong signal of U.S. support for Ukraine and its efforts to achieve victory in the conflict

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