Tourists used to flock to the Ukrainian beach resort of Odesa to lie along its pristine Black Sea seaside. 

However, the white sands are now peppered with police officers and ominous man-sized mines because of Russia's assault on Ukraine.

Ukraine's military placed mines along the coast in case of a Russian amphibious assault after the conflict escalated in February, cordoning off the once popular beaches to ensure no one tampers with the weapons. 

Having once benefitted from a booming tourist trade – particularly from Russian patrons – Odesa's local economy has taken a huge hit as the southwestern Ukraine port city was shut down for business. 

Many of its long-time residents cannot imagine life in Odesa without access to the water. 

"We can't live without the sea. If not for the sea, there would probably be no Odesa," said 82-year-old resident Viktor Holchenko.

In early May, Russian forces attacked the city with missiles, leaving several buildings in Odesa in ruins. 

Now signs posted by Ukraine's military warn residents to keep away from the buried mines, with one sign outside a seaside restaurant reading "Danger! mines".

"They (the military) said not to go there (to the seaside)," said 18-year-old resident Kyrylo Zinchenko, who used to be a driver before Odesa's tourism dried up.

"Why would you go there? This is the summer we will have."

Nataliia Humeniuk, a spokeswoman of the southern military command, said she realized that the tourism business and recreational component was an important element, "but we also realize that if we don't hold the defense of our region, there will be no budget to fill." 

The local economy will take a broad hit, said tourism office owner Oleksandr Babich. "It is hotels, restaurants, souvenirs, all kinds of beach services. It is things related to the cultural sector... I don't know how the city economy will do without them."