Zelenskyy says Ukraine hit Russian Black Sea naval base in Novorossiysk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces carried out a strike overnight on Russia’s naval base in Novorossiysk, more than 300 km (186 miles) from the front line.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy described the operation as a significant strike against what he called the Russian fleet’s last major stronghold in the Black Sea.

“Tonight, our Defence Forces of Ukraine conducted a unique operation to strike the naval base in Novorossiysk — the last major stronghold of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, more than 300 kilometers from the front line,” he wrote.

“Our Palianytsia jet drones, Neptune missiles and naval unmanned systems precisely struck designated targets. Hits on air-defense positions, berths and the infrastructure of the seaport have been confirmed,” Zelenskyy said.

He added: “The occupying fleet and all the infrastructure supporting its operations will not be safe as long as Russian aggression continues. The war must be stopped, and all reasonable proposals for diplomacy are on the table.”

Novorossiysk came under a heavy drone attack overnight on August 12, with reports of a fire in the area of the local port and a possible strike on a grain elevator.

The reported attack comes amid increasing Ukrainian strikes on Russian maritime infrastructure and vessels in the Black Sea.

On July 28, Reuters, citing industry sources, reported that three grain terminals at the ports of Novorossiysk and Taman had restricted the acceptance of grain trucks following an increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian vessels and port infrastructure.

The three terminals collectively handle more than 20 million tonnes of grain a year, according to the report. That amounts to almost half of Russia’s total seaborne grain exports, which stand at about 50 million tonnes annually.

The ports are major outlets for Russian grain shipments to key markets, including Egypt and Türkiye.

By Tamilla Hasanova