The «Orlivka» international border crossing on the border with Romania has temporarily suspended the passage of people and vehicles following a night-time attack by Russian Shahed drones on 1 September. According to the State Border Guard Service, the strikes hit the building and the checkpoint grounds, causing fires. Firefighters have contained the blazes, and vehicles are being diverted via alternative routes.
Briefly about the main points
- Following the Shahed strike, the «Orlivka» checkpoint is not processing vehicles.
- The fires on the complex’s premises were brought under control by the emergency services.
- Due to the damage, customs and border clearance procedures cannot be carried out.
- The State Border Guard Service is channelling traffic via six alternative border crossings.
- In August, Russian drones also attacked «Tabaky» and «Vynohradivka».
The damage meant it was impossible to complete the formalities at the crossing
As at 17:33 on 1 September, «Orlivka»remained closed. A spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service" Andriy Demchenko explained that damage to buildings and structures is currently preventing border and customs clearance procedures from taking place.
The agency is considering the possibility of temporarily setting up workstations for the security services using portable structures. This could enable access to be restored pending the complete renovation of the complex. The Romanian side has been informed of the situation.
According to the State Border Guard Service, there were no casualties amongst the checkpoint staff or border guards. During an air raid alert, operations are suspended in areas where there is a real threat of an attack, and people and vehicles are evacuated.
What routes are recommended for travelling to Romania?
«Orlivka» operates a ferry service across The Danube with Isaccea in Romania and is used for international freight and passenger traffic. The closure of the crossing means that traffic will be diverted to other crossings, which may lengthen routes and increase costs for transport operators.
The State Border Guard Service recommends using other open border crossing points:
- Reni
- Tabaky and Vynohradivka
- Novye Troiany and Starokozache
- Palanka—Mayaki—Udobne
The third border crossing to be attacked in less than two weeks
On 21 August, Russian Shahed drones damaged the infrastructure at the «Tabaki» border crossing on the border with Moldova. Traffic there was temporarily halted, but operations at the crossing resumed the following day.
On 25 August, «Vynohradivka»: due to damage to the infrastructure and a fire, vehicles were diverted to other checkpoints. The checkpoint subsequently resumed operations.
So, since 21 August, Russia has attacked at least three border crossing points in south-western Ukraine. «Orlivka» had come under attack before — in September 2023, October 2024 and November 2025.
Beskrestnov urged people not to spread rumours about food shortages
Against the backdrop of attacks on warehouses, logistics centres and checkpoints, speculation has spread on social media that Russia is allegedly attempting to deprive Ukraine of food supplies. The President’s non-staff adviser on the development of defence technology sectors Sergey «Flash» Beskrestnov called on people not to panic.
According to him, Ukraine will not run out of food: producers and retail chains are already reorganising their supply chains. Any potential shortages of certain goods, in his view, can be offset by supplies from Europe.
Beskrestnov believes that the Russian strikes are primarily aimed at big business, logistics, jobs and tax revenues. Meanwhile, the State Border Guard Service is seeking a technical solution to restore operations at «Orlivka».
