ODESSA, May 2. /TASS/. The southern Ukrainian city of Odessa marks the second anniversary of the tragedy that claimed the lives of 48 peoples. A TASS correspond reports from the scene that at the moment the situation in the city is stable.
The center of Odessa is almost empty - neither people nor cars are seen in the streets. The city authorities earlier warned that many central streets had been closed for security reasons. There are patrols on the roadway. They only let public transport go. Some streetcar routes though have been cancelled on Monday.
In the morning, law enforcers began to prepare to install the checkpoint to the territory of Kulikovo Field where the mourning rally is due to be held later in the day.
Police earlier received an anonymous call that an explosive device had allegedly been planted in the area. Access there is currently restricted. Bomb-disposal exports and investigators are working on the scene.
The official part of the mourning ceremony is scheduled for 14.00 local time. However, people are already bringing flowers to the site. The number of those willing to pay homage to the victims of the May 2 tragedy is constantly growing.
Police have cordoned off some streets and squares in the city, including Cathedral Square where a flash mob in memory of those killed two years ago is to be held at 13.00. The area is patrolled by police officers and National Guard members. There is an ambulance nearby.
Tragedy in Odessa
The city of Odessa saw riots on May 2, 2014, during which soccer fans from other cities, as well as Right Sector militants and so-called "Maidan self-defense" representatives from Kiev organized a march along city streets. Clashes with federalization supporters occurred during the march.
Radicals set ablaze the Trade Unions House, where their opponents hid, and a tent camp where activists were collecting signatures for a referendum on Ukraine’s federalization and for the status of a state language for Russian. The attackers did not let anyone leave the burning Trade Unions House building.
At least 48 people died and 247 were injured in the clashes and the fire in the Trade Unions House.