The conquest of Mykola would offer Russia an opportunity to move towards Odessa, Ukraine’s largest port.
Mykolaiv, located in southern Ukraine, is a port city with a population of half a million. It is one of the largest ports in Ukraine.
There have been fierce battles over control of the city in recent days, and Russia again launched an attempt to attack the city this morning.
Strategically important target
Russia has been trying to take control of Mykolaiv for three days. A reporter for the New York Times in the city says there have been Russian artillery fire, missiles, and helicopter attacks.
Russian troops are trying to take control of Mykolaiv as it allows troops to advance west and to Odessa, Ukraine’s third largest city and the country’s largest port.
The New York Times says Russia appears to have launched a major offensive to take over the city early this morning.
The control of the Mykola ship would offer Russia the opportunity to bring more troops close to the front.