Storm of Izmail

Background. The siege of Izmail was a military action in 1790 on the Danube near the Black Sea. The fortress was considered impregnable, commanded by Aydoslu Mehmed Pasha. Previous Russian commanders, including Ivan Gudovich and Pavel Potemkin, failed to capture it in November 1790 due to indecision or lack of command. Grigory Potemkin assigned the task to General-in-Chief Count Suvorov-Rymniksky.

Preparation. Suvorov arrived at Izmail on 13 December and immediately began preparations for an assault. He rode up to the fortress within gun range, indicating the points to which the assault columns should be directed, where to attack, and how to support each other. To train the troops, a large moat was dug and ramparts built in the design of Izmail; secretly on the night of 19 and 20 December Suvorov personally showed the soldiers escalade techniques and taught them to act with the bayonet, with the Turks represented by fascines. On 18 December at 2 o'clock in the afternoon he sent a note to the commandant of Izmail.

Assault. On the early morning of 22 December 1790, Russians attempted a surprise attack, though plans were leaked. Despite failed attacks on gates, Suvorov encouraged Kutuzov. The capture was completed, marking an important stage in military art. The conquest influenced the war's course and peace conclusion in 1791, causing fear in the Turkish capital.

Aftermath. Following the capture, Crimean Tatars and Turks attempted to recapture the Old Fortress. Suvorov compared the assault to Ochakov, calling it an extraordinary event. Kutuzov was appointed commandant for his courage. The victory completed the 1790 campaign and led to the establishment of the Award Cross 'For the Capture of Izmail' in 1791.