Tue Nov 18 07:10:00 UTC 2025: FOX NEWS – Suspected Russian Drone Strike Hits Turkish Tanker in Ukraine, Sparks Evacuations
ODESA, Ukraine – A suspected Russian drone strike ignited a Turkish tanker in Ukraine’s Odesa region on Monday, causing a fire aboard the vessel and triggering evacuations across the Danube River in Romania, according to reports.
The incident occurred a day after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy finalized an agreement to import U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the area, with plans to deliver the gas via pipelines from the Greek port of Alexandroupolis starting in January.
The MT Orinda, carrying liquefied petroleum gas, was reportedly struck while being offloaded at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey’s Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members were safely evacuated. Footage from Romania showed the ship engulfed in flames with thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Izmail, a vital trade hub for Ukraine located on the Black Sea estuary, has been increasingly targeted by renewed Russian attacks aimed at the Odesa region’s energy and port infrastructure. Regional military head Oleh Kiper reported that drones caused multiple fires and damaged several civilian vessels.
Following the blast, Romanian authorities ordered evacuations of residents from villages across the river from Izmail. Romania’s Defense Ministry confirmed that radar systems tracked aerial targets but found no incursions into Romanian airspace, having issued multiple alerts recently due to intensifying Russian strikes near the border.
The Danube corridor has become increasingly crucial to Ukraine’s export network since Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal. The attacks have also raised security concerns for NATO, prompting the alliance to expand air-defense operations.
Zelenskyy’s U.S. gas deal aims to bolster Ukraine’s winter energy supplies amid ongoing Russian attacks on the country’s power infrastructure.
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