Anchor of Friendship: How Odesa and Greece are Writing a New Chapter in Their Shared History

In the coastal city of Piraeus near Athens, an extraordinary sculpture will be installed—an Anchor crafted from 122-caliber howitzer shell casings fired during the battle near Vuhledar. A symbol of Odesa, it embodies not only maritime unity but also the unbreakable spirit of two great nations. This iconic sculpture, initiated by Odesa’s Ambassador to Greece, Kostyantyn Sobol, serves as a tangible representation of the centuries-old relationship between these two maritime states.

The historical ties between Odesa and Greece trace back to 1814, when the "Filiki Eteria" society was established in Odesa, acting as a catalyst for the Greek War of Independence. Today, these connections are evolving into new expressions through culture, diplomacy, and shared values.

The sculpture’s unveiling took place in the heart of Odesa, at the Rotunda of the City Garden, and was dedicated to Greece’s Independence Day on April 25th as part of Greek Culture Week. (Note: Greece’s Independence Day is traditionally March 25th; April 25th may reflect a specific event date or a possible typo.) Soon, this unique artistic creation will take its place of honor on Odesa Square in Piraeus.