(NOVOROSSIYSK, RUSSIA) – Ukrainian drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine and defence forces struck Russia’s port city of Novorossiysk during the night of 1 to 2 March, targeting naval vessels, air defence systems and oil infrastructure.
According to video statements and open source footage circulating online, the attack hit several Russian warships, an S 300 air defence radar system and a major oil export terminal known as Sheskharis. Fires were reported at the oil facility, which is one of Russia’s principal crude export hubs alongside facilities at Ust Luga on the Baltic Sea and Tuapse on the Black Sea.
Novorossiysk has become the new headquarters of the remaining elements of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after Ukrainian strikes forced the fleet to relocate from occupied Sevastopol in Crimea. The move followed the destruction of key fleet assets and the fleet’s former headquarters in Crimea.
Ukrainian sources state that maritime drones and missiles have repeatedly targeted Novorossiysk over the past year. The port serves both as a naval base and a critical energy export corridor. Russia’s federal budget remains heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, making such infrastructure strategically significant.
Footage shared on social media shows large fires at the Sheskharis terminal. Ukrainian commentators argue that repeated strikes demonstrate Russia’s difficulty in protecting strategic facilities.
In addition to naval and energy targets, Ukrainian forces reported neutralising an S 300 air defence radar system in the area. The disabling of air defence assets may further complicate Russia’s efforts to shield military and energy infrastructure.
The relocation of the Black Sea Fleet to Novorossiysk followed significant Ukrainian strikes, which earlier sank or damaged multiple warships and submarines. The loss of the cruiser Moskva in 2022 marked a turning point in the naval campaign. Subsequent attacks forced remaining vessels to operate farther from Ukrainian shores.
Ukrainian officials have framed the continued campaign against Russian naval and energy assets as part of broader efforts to degrade Russia’s military capabilities and limit its capacity to finance the war through hydrocarbon exports.
Commentators supportive of Kyiv also link the campaign to wider geopolitical tensions, arguing that reducing Russian military capacity limits Moscow’s ability to support allied governments in other conflict zones.
The latest strike comes amid continued cross border attacks and drone operations that have extended the conflict deeper into Russian territory. Reports from Russian regions including Belgorod indicate growing pressure on local authorities to maintain utilities and civil defence systems amid repeated incidents.
Ukrainian representatives have also stated that their experience in countering Iranian designed drones has enabled them to provide expertise and training to international partners facing similar threats.
Kyiv maintains that sustained military and economic pressure is necessary to weaken Russia’s war effort and ultimately secure accountability for actions committed during the conflict.
The full extent of the damage in Novorossiysk has not been independently verified. Russian authorities have not released detailed assessments of losses at the time of publication.
Drones launched by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and Ukraine’s defence forces struck Russia’s port of Novorossiysk on the night of 1-2 March, hitting naval vessels, air defence systems and oil infrastructure.
