A major Russian port on the Black Sea, Novorossiysk, was attacked by Ukrainian sea drones, resulting in damage to a naval ship, according to a Ukrainian official. This attack is part of a series of strikes inside Russia as Kyiv has pledged to bring the fight to their doorstep. Moscow claims to have repelled the attack. This marks the first time a commercial Russian port has been targeted in the ongoing 18-month war. Novorossiysk is a crucial port that houses a naval base, shipbuilding yards, and an oil terminal, making it vital for exports. It is located across the Black Sea from Crimea, where Russia’s Defense Ministry reported blocking another attack that night, neutralizing 13 drones.
According to an anonymous official from the Security Service of Ukraine, the attack on Novorossiysk was carried out by the country’s navy and security service. The landing ship, Olenegorsky Gornyak, suffered significant damage, rendering it incapable of fulfilling its combat missions. Ukrainian media agencies shared footage from social media platforms showing the ship listing to one side. Olenegorsky Gornyak is designed for transporting troops and heavy equipment and was sent for repairs in 2014. Normally, it is based with Russia’s Northern Fleet in the Arctic.
Russia, on the other hand, asserts that it successfully defended against the attack on Novorossiysk. According to their account, ships patrolling the naval base perimeter, including Olenegorsky Gornyak, destroyed two sea drones. Additionally, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, responsible for operating the oil terminal in the port, confirmed that maritime traffic was suspended for a few hours but stated that their facilities remained undamaged. The regional governor confirmed that there were no casualties.
During a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov chose not to comment on the attack. Footage circulated on Russian social media platforms depicted a ship firing into the sea and an exploding object. Ukrainian social media channels also shared nighttime video footage supposedly captured by a sea drone floating near a ship. The authenticity of these videos could not be verified by the Associated Press.
This attack on Novorossiysk is the latest in a series of assaults within Russian territory. Drone strikes targeted a building in Moscow earlier this week, and even the Kremlin itself was struck by a drone in May without causing harm. The Black Sea has emerged as a critical battleground in the war following Russia’s withdrawal from an agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments through the sea. Subsequently, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports, exacerbating the global impact on food markets.
Just days ago, Russian drones inflicted considerable damage and sparked a large fire at facilities in the Odesa region crucial to Ukrainian grain exports. The Russian military also claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack two patrol vessels in the Black Sea, southwest of the Russian-controlled city of Sevastopol in Crimea.
Shortly after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine announced that it had successfully sunk the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, the Moskva, with missiles, dealing a symbolic blow to Russia. However, the Russian Defense Ministry countered this claim, stating that the heavily damaged Moskva sank due to a storm while being towed after a fire had gutted the ship. The Russian military denied allegations of an attack by Ukraine.
Soon after confirming the attack on the Black Sea port, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced repelling another attack by Ukraine on Crimea. The Defense Ministry declared that 10 drones were shot down by air defense systems, while three others were jammed electronically. Videos shared on Russian social media platforms, purportedly captured in the city of Feodosia in Crimea, showed air defense systems in action and intense explosions.
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