(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukraine has carried out one of its most extensive long range strike operations of the war, damaging three major Russian ports, including what is regarded as the country’s second largest oil exporting terminal. According to Ukrainian officials, the coordinated use of Neptune missiles and long range drones hit oil storage facilities, export terminals, maritime infrastructure, and air defence positions.
The strikes form part of an expanding Ukrainian campaign aimed at degrading the Russian war economy. Hours after the attack, the Russian military launched a significant overnight missile and drone bombardment on Kyiv, which Ukrainian authorities described as one of the largest of the conflict. Emergency shelters and underground parking areas were used across the capital as the bombardment continued for several hours.
Local officials reported damage to residential buildings and energy sites. The bombardment included various missile classes and hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, according to initial assessments by Ukrainian air defenders.
Ukrainian authorities stated that while Russia focused on Kyiv’s civilian and energy infrastructure, Ukrainian forces continued precision attacks on strategic military and economic facilities inside Russia.
Among the targets was the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which handles a substantial portion of the country’s oil exports. Footage circulated online showing large explosions in areas where oil storage facilities, cargo terminals, and air defence systems are located. While Russian officials initially denied significant damage, the volume of local videos appearing on social networks led to acknowledgement of the disruption.
Ukrainian authorities released images of the upgraded Neptune missile system, which is believed to have been used in the strikes. The modernised version carries a larger warhead, has improved accuracy and speed, and is designed for cost efficient production.
Satellite heat map data from international monitoring agencies indicated multiple fires at the Novorossiysk port complex, including near oil storage areas, cargo terminals, and air defence sites. Ukrainian military analysts noted that a long-standing lighthouse at the port was also struck, which they interpreted as part of efforts to hinder Russian navigation support and defensive coordination.
Before the latest strikes, Ukrainian forces had already targeted the Tuapse oil terminal and facilities in Crimea, temporarily halting parts of Russia’s export operations. Novorossiysk is estimated to handle between 25 per cent and 35 per cent of Russia’s seaborne oil exports. The suspension of operations at its terminals prompted immediate volatility in Russian oil markets, with Urals crude trading at around USD 45 per barrel.
Estimated Scale of Targeted Ports
| Russian Port Targeted | Estimated Share of Russian Oil Exports | Status After Strikes |
|---|---|---|
| Novorossiysk | 25% to 35% | Exports temporarily suspended |
| Tuapse | Significant export capacity | Terminal disrupted |
| Feodosia (Crimea) | Storage facility | Storage damaged |
Russian crude is increasingly stored on tankers offshore due to reduced refinery and port capacity. Analysts estimate that global offshore crude inventories now include approximately 390 million barrels, much of it Russian. Daily tanker leasing costs average about USD 100,000 per vessel.
Russian financial pressures have continued to increase. Data from local banks suggest withdrawals of roughly 1.2 trillion roubles (about USD 13.2 billion) from personal accounts since April 2024. Analysts note that consumer confidence has weakened due to economic uncertainty, pressure on energy revenues, and rising unemployment outside the defence sector.
Further reports from Ukrainian intelligence indicate that Russia plans to bring in up to 12,000 North Korean labourers by late 2025 to work at the Alabuga industrial zone, where drones are produced. Previous investigations by international human rights groups have documented concerns about labour conditions and recruitment practices at the facility.
Russian domestic repression has also intensified. Local media have reported several cases of individuals facing lengthy prison terms under charges related to social media posts, including the sharing of Ukrainian music. Rights groups note a rise in cases linked to online content viewed as politically sensitive by Russian authorities.
In a separate incident, a long running Russian Cold War era radio system known as a “doomsday” transmitter temporarily ceased broadcasting following a drone strike on an electrical substation. Analysts emphasised that the system has historically been the subject of speculation, but its temporary outage was confirmed by local technical monitoring groups.
The wider impact of the latest Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure is expected to develop over the coming days. Analysts predict that any efforts by Russia to restore damaged facilities may require significant time and materials, especially if further strikes continue.