Romania’s Department for Emergency Situations announced on social media that a drone strike, allegedly originating from Ukraine, ignited a fire on a ship carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) near the port city of Izmail on Sunday night. The Turkish-flagged vessel, the ORINDA, is capable of transporting approximately 1.8 million gallons of LPG. Following the incident, authorities ordered the evacuation of the entire commune of Ceatalchioi, which has a population of about 250 residents, and dispatched emergency vehicles and ambulances to the area.
As the fire erupted, visual evidence emerged showing significant flames and smoke enveloping the ship. This incident adds to a troubling trend, as Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports along the Danube River throughout its ongoing invasion, with various pieces of drone debris discovering on the Romanian side of the river in the past.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the threat posed by Russia’s actions, stating, “After a Russian attack damaged a vessel with LNG in the Odesa region, Romania had to evacuate its border village. Russia’s brutal escalation of terror threatens not only Ukraine but also our neighbors. This underscores the urgency of collective pressure on Moscow to end the war.”
While a NATO spokesperson refrained from commenting on the specific incident, it highlights the escalating tensions in the region and the direct impacts that the war in Ukraine has on neighboring countries. The response and cooperation among neighboring nations could potentially play a crucial role in addressing the broader implications of such attacks.