Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking its Black Sea navy base in Novorossiysk with sea drones.
This is the first time a commercial Russian port has been targeted in the 18-month war. Novorossiysk is a major port on the Black Sea and is of great importance for Russian exports as it hosts a naval base, shipbuilding yards, and an oil terminal.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that it also thwarted another attack by Ukraine in Crimea, taking down 13 drones.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, two Ukrainian sea drones were destroyed by the Russian ships patrolling the naval base in Novorossiysk. The mayor of Novorossiysk stated that the crews of the Olenegorsky Gonyak and Suvorovets ships acted quickly to help avoid any consequences, and there were no casualties. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which operates an oil terminal in the port, confirmed that Russian navy ships repelled the attack and announced a temporary ban on maritime traffic.
Footage shared on Russian social media appeared to show a ship firing into the sea and a burning object exploding. Ukrainian agencies released footage suggesting a Russian ship listing to one side after the attack, but the authenticity of these videos could not be verified.
Minutes after confirming the attack on the Black Sea port, Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that it had also repelled another attack by Ukraine on Moscow-annexed Crimea. The defense ministry claimed that air defense systems shot down 10 drones and electronically jammed three others. Videos shared on Russian social media reportedly showed air defense systems in action and loud explosions in the city of Feodosia in Crimea.
Russia’s defense ministry also published videos of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visiting a command center in Ukraine, although the exact location was not disclosed. Shoigu received a report from group commander Lt. Gen. Andrei Mordvichev and inspected a captured Swedish infantry fighting vehicle CV90.
The Russian Ministry of Defense expressed gratitude to the personnel for successful offensive operations and capturing more advantageous positions near Lyman.
