Novorossiysk port and naval base struck in large Ukrainian drone and missile attack

A massive Ukrainian operation struck Novorossiysk, damaging grain export terminals and hitting Russia’s last major Black Sea naval base, officials said. The nighttime barrage killed three people, including an eight-year-old child, and injured 24, while local authorities reported infrastructure damage and disrupted services.

Explosions and air-defence activity were reported over Novorossiysk through the night as Ukraine said it launched rocket and underwater drones in the operation. Most of Russia’s Black Sea fleet is based in Novorossiysk after leaving Sevastopol, and the attack targeted fleet infrastructure and supporting facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed.

Grain terminals at the port were hit, according to a major grain trading company cited by TASS and other outlets. The Russian agriculture ministry said it was redirecting cargo flows to Baltic and Caspian ports and land routes, citing logistical constraints without directly naming the attack.

Regional authorities declared an emergency after pipelines were damaged and the city’s water supply was suspended. Krasnodar region officials said several locations were struck overnight, with dozens of buildings damaged and at least one person killed by drone debris, Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported.

Moscow conducted retaliatory aerial strikes, with at least 11 civilians killed between Tuesday and Wednesday, the majority in Zaporizhzhia where ballistic missiles and glide bombs were used, according to reports.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The strikes reflect intensified long-range operations by Ukraine against Russian naval and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, with direct impacts on grain export routes and port operations noted by trading firms and Russian authorities. Russian statements highlighted disruption to grain shipments and indicated continued targeting of maritime infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces, while regional reports documented civilian casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Massive Ukrainian strike hit Novorossiysk port and naval base, damaging grain terminals.
• Three people killed, including an eight-year-old child; 24 injured in the attack.
• Russian authorities report pipeline damage, suspended water supply and redirected cargo flows.