(NOVOROSSIYSK, KRASNODAR KRAI, RUSSIA) – Ukraine has carried out a series of coordinated strikes on Russian infrastructure in and around the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, damaging the country’s oil export terminal and destroying an air defence system. The operations, conducted with long range Neptune missiles and drones, have forced Russia to suspend oil shipments from one of its most important export routes.
Satellite and open source material shared over the last two days showed a large fire at the port’s main oil handling facility, alongside evidence that several launchers from an S400 air defence battery were destroyed. Analysts confirmed that the flames originated within the terminal’s sensitive export structures, resulting in a shutdown that industry sources say could last several months.
According to Ukrainian officials and geolocated imagery, the strike also hit a nearby military site containing systems believed to be part of Russia’s S300 or S400 fleet. Video taken from across the bay showed interceptors firing shortly before explosions illuminated the port.
NATO linked satellite fire mapping systems registered multiple hotspots across the city, matching the locations of the oil facility, naval base, civilian loading areas and military barracks. Open source analysts used identifiable landmarks such as a prominent church and commercial buildings to confirm the accuracy of the footage.
The Ukrainian government also released footage of the upgraded Neptune missile system used in the strike. The latest version of the missile reportedly carries more fuel and a larger warhead, with an estimated range potentially reaching up to one thousand kilometres. This would place multiple Russian military and industrial facilities within reach.
Before and after satellite images showed significant damage to key structures at the terminal. Photographs from the scene indicated that fuel reserves and critical equipment suffered direct hits. Industry specialists contacted by reporters estimated that even with priority repairs, the terminal could remain offline for two to three months.
Separate satellite analysis identified at least four destroyed S400 launchers, as well as radar systems positioned close to the battery. The loss weakens Russia’s local defensive coverage along the Black Sea coast, Ukrainian military sources said.
The port of Novorossiysk normally handles an estimated two point two million barrels of oil per day, roughly two percent of global supply. Oil flow from Russia’s pipeline monopoly Transneft to the terminal was suspended after the attack, according to sources familiar with the operation. Transneft declined to comment.
The suspension prevents Russia from loading tankers operated by what international observers describe as its shadow fleet. While global oil prices rose by around two percent after the incident, the change barely registered on long term market charts. Analysts emphasised that while the global effect is limited, the financial impact on Russia is substantial.
Estimated Russian Revenue Loss From Export Suspension
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Normal export volume | 2.2 million barrels per day |
| Approximate global price | USD 85 per barrel |
| Estimated daily revenue loss | USD 187 million |
| Estimated profit portion | USD 19 to 37 million per day |
Ukrainian analysts stated that the loss of export income alongside repair costs will place additional pressure on Russia’s wartime finances. With its facilities in Tuapse already offline due to previous strikes, Novorossiysk had become its secondary Black Sea export point.
The Ukrainian attack came shortly before a large scale Russian strike across Kyiv. Russian forces launched hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting residential districts across the capital. Local authorities confirmed fatalities and dozens of injuries, including children and a pregnant woman.
Images shared by emergency services showed apartment buildings with entire sections destroyed. Officials described the attack as one of the largest in recent months.
Residents sheltered for hours as air defence crews attempted to intercept the missiles. Journalists documented families seeking cover in basements and underground spaces. Ukrainian officials said at least four hundred drones and more than a dozen missiles were used.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine continues to respond with long range strikes and urged partners to increase support for air defence systems. He emphasised that Russia’s ability to sell oil enables it to finance ongoing attacks.
Across Kyiv, power cuts left parts of the city in the dark. Social media footage showed residents shopping in unlit supermarkets and parents using car headlights to illuminate football pitches for children’s evening training sessions. Local commentators described daily life continuing under difficult conditions despite repeated strikes.
Ukrainian civil society groups are also raising funds for rehabilitation retreats for recovering soldiers and their families. Organisers say these programmes aim to provide rest and psychological support for injured service members during short stays in the Carpathian Mountains.