Russians attacked port infrastructure in southern Odesa region for the first time in a long time — military expert

During a nighttime attack by Shaheds on July 24, Russians damaged port infrastructure and an apartment building in Izmail, Odesa region. Air defense forces shot down 17 Shaheds, most of them in this area. The enemy had not struck this region for a relatively long time. Explosions were also heard in Romania, where it is probable that some debris fell on the territory of this NATO country. An investigation is currently underway.

This information was provided by Serhiy Bratchuk, a military expert, spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army “South,” and head of the Public Council at the OVA, in an interview with Hromadske Radio.

“These Shaheds flew to the south of the Odesa region and damaged the port infrastructure on the Danube. They had not been in the field of view of the Russian occupation forces for a long time. Although we realized that sooner or later it would happen again, because the enemy is trying to spread terror against the civilian population and hit critical infrastructure that supports the defense of our country», — Bratchuk said.

According to Bratchuk, the Russians used Shahed 136 and Shahed 131 attack drones in the Izmail sector. They targeted the port infrastructure of Izmail and an apartment building. Three people were wounded; two were hospitalized in moderate condition, and another victim received medical aid on the spot, according to the spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army “South.”

“The shelling destroyed several buildings of the port infrastructure and damaged three trucks. A fire broke out at the site, which was promptly extinguished by the State Emergency Service. Now, law enforcement officers are documenting the consequences of another Russian war crime against the civilian population of the Odesa region.»

In the border regions of Romania, people also reported hearing explosions. During the night, the country announced an air alert and raised two F-16 aircraft to monitor the airspace, as reported by the Romanian Ministry of Defense.

“In the village of Plauru, an investigation is underway into objects that could have fallen on the territory of Romania. Colleagues say that the Shahed crossed the border between Ukraine and Romania, and some say it exploded near the village of Plauru», — Bratchuk said.

According to him, the Russians have previously sent their drones over the border regions of other countries, including Transnistria, and then returned them to Ukraine to attack our cities.

“The Russians understand that no one will shoot down Shaheds over the territory of our neighboring states, as we do not have the right to do so. I think we could develop a joint algorithm of actions to destroy Shaheds flying over other countries because they are a threat to Ukrainians, Romanians, and Moldovans alike.»