and behind me is the famous opera house here in odesa. the last time it was protected like this was the second world war. history really is repeating itself. on the street, we meet an elderly couple and i want to know what they think about russia s chances here. odesa no go russian. no go. reporter: they ll not get through? back in russia. reporter: daniel was born in odesa. his wife and children have now fled, and he is staying to fight. do you think you can hold back this russian offensive? sure, sure. we ve already shown since 24th that we are holding back, and we kicked some ass, sorry, but we kicked some ass. reporter: in odesa s trendy food hall, they ve turned it into an aid station. inga, a lawyer, is organizing the effort. what s your message to vladimir putin? only one message. stop the war. it s our country.