Ukraine strikes Novorossiysk, damaging Russian warships, air defenses

In the night of August 12, Novorossiysk came under one of the largest Ukrainian attacks against the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s remaining major base.

The strike targeted military and infrastructure facilities across the city. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, several Russian naval vessels, air defense systems and port facilities were damaged.

Among the reported targets were the frigates Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov. The patrol ship Vasily Bykov was also reportedly damaged.

Ukrainian sources also reported that the small missile ship Buyan-M was hit during the attack, becoming the fourth Russian vessel affected in the operation. 

Ukrainian forces also struck an S-300 air defense system and radar equipment. Piers and other facilities used by the Russian military were hit as well.

The attack extended beyond military targets. An oil facility and other parts of the port infrastructure were damaged. Novorossiysk is also one of Russia’s main grain export ports, making any disruption there potentially significant.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as unique because it combined several types of weapons. The Ukrainian side said missiles, airborne drones and naval drones were used during the attack.

Russian authorities also acknowledged the scale of the overnight strike. Moscow reported a large number of Ukrainian drones, while Novorossiysk declared a state of emergency after the attack.

Ukraine later confirmed strikes against Russian air defenses, piers and port infrastructure. The extent of the damage to the Black Sea Fleet is still being assessed.