Following an explosion, a substantial fire broke out in Odessa. Local sources, including the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian broadcaster Country.UA, described the incident and its immediate aftermath. The reports point to a rapid flame front and a growing plume of smoke that rose into the air, signaling a serious blaze in the city while observers watched from nearby streets and screens as the event unfolded. The reference from Country.UA was cited by multiple local outlets, who used it to anchor their descriptions of the blast and its consequences for the area.
A video circulating online captures the scene with notable clarity: puffs of smoke rising high into the atmosphere, dense haze spreading, and sparks flitting across the frame. The footage emphasizes the scale of the event, showing the smoke column expanding as the fire continued. The visuals document a moment of intense activity in the city, with observers noting the height of the smoke and the brightness of the flames as the incident unfolded.
An air raid alarm was issued across the Odessa region and later extended to other parts of Ukraine, signaling heightened security alerts for residents. The alerts prompted precautions in households and public spaces as authorities advised vigilance and readiness in the wake of the blast and the evolving situation in the country.
In addition to Odessa, explosions were reported in the Troeshchina region near Kyiv, indicating that the impact of the events extended toward the capital area. The reports described disturbances in multiple locations, underscoring the breadth of the incident and the scale of the disruption across central Ukraine.
The Telegram channel Military Observer stated that Russian missiles targeted Odessa and the port area, aligning with early assessments of the strike. The outlet attributed the information to its sources, contributing to the narrative of coordinated attacks affecting the city and its maritime facilities.
According to the report, at least four impacts near the port were recorded, suggesting significant damage or activity in the port zone as a result of the strikes. The accounts conveyed a sense of uncertainty about the full extent of the damage while confirming multiple near-port hits.
Ukrainian media on the evening of February 19 reported a strong fire in an Odessa oil tank. Earlier, the city experienced disruptions to water supply, heating, and electricity following the explosions, underscoring the broader impact on essential services and daily life in the wake of the events.
Earlier footage circulated showing a powerful explosion following a strike around Kyiv, sparking additional questions about the broader operational and strategic implications of the attacks. The visuals, paired with ongoing reports, contributed to a developing picture of the day’s events across Ukraine.