Key Developments: Ukraine carried out a major overnight strike on Russia’s Black Sea coast, hitting Novorossiysk and killing three people, including an 8-year-old, regional authorities said. President Zelensky said drones, cruise missiles and maritime drones targeted port and defence infrastructure at the naval base. NASA fire-detection data and local reports indicated fires at the naval and commercial ports and an oil terminal. Russia said it intercepted 502 Ukrainian combat drones; separate Russian strikes hit Zaporizhzhya.
Ukraine Strikes Novorossiysk Port in Large-Scale Overnight Drone, Missile and Naval-Drone Assault
FILE PHOTO - A heavily loaded container ship is seen in the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. (is associated with: «Ukraine strikes Russian port of Novorossiysk, in overnight attack») Claudia Irle-Utsch/dpa
Ukraine launched a large-scale overnight assault on the Russian Black Sea coast that struck the port city of Novorossiysk, regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said on Wednesday.
Casualties and Damage
Kondratyev reported three people killed — including an 8-year-old child — and at least 24 others wounded. He said roughly 60 residential buildings in Novorossiysk suffered damage. Officials also reported damage to four industrial facilities, while Gelendzhik sustained damage to about 20 residential buildings and further damage was noted in the Temryuk district and Anapa.
Targets and Weapons Used
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed strikes on Novorossiysk, saying Kyiv used aerial drones, cruise missiles and maritime (seaborne) drones. Zelensky described the action as a “unique operation” aimed at the naval base in Novorossiysk, which he called “the last major stronghold of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, more than 300 kilometres from the front line.”
Reports and Independent Indicators
Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels reported impacts at the city's naval port, commercial port and an oil-loading terminal. NASA’s FIRMS fire-detection system registered fires at those locations. The state-owned agricultural exporter OZK said a grain terminal was damaged but reported no staff injuries.
Moscow's Response and Wider Fighting
Moscow's Defence Ministry said it intercepted 502 Ukrainian combat drones overnight — a comparatively high number. Russian officials also reported heavy attacks on Sevastopol in Crimea. Separately, Russian airstrikes struck southern Ukraine overnight, hitting Zaporizhzhya among other locations; regional authorities reported a large fire at a hardware store and power outages in parts of the city.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly four and a half years.
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