According to Ukrainian media sources, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone assault on the Izmail district in Odesa Oblast during the night of 19–20 August, targeting critical fuel and port infrastructure.
As reported, the attack, carried out with up to 20 Shahed kamikaze drones, caused multiple explosions and fires. Despite active Ukrainian air defense, several strikes hit port facilities, a fuel and energy storage site, and vessels moored at the port. One civilian was reported injured, and emergency services deployed dozens of personnel and equipment to contain the fires.
Among the targets was a Panama-flagged chemical tanker, a 7,842-dwt product tanker built in 2008 and operated by a UK-based company. The vessel, which had arrived from Sulina, Romania, on 19 August, was reportedly offloading diesel fuel when it was struck. The attack heavily damaged the starboard superstructure, pumping systems, and fuel lines, leaving the ship disabled.
Local officials confirmed widespread damage to port facilities, while eyewitness reports noted as many as 30 explosions during the hour-and-a-half-long assault. Furthermore, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the Triton Oil Depot and other vital energy facilities sustained severe damage.
