In brief
On the night of a massive Ukrainian drone assault, Russia’s port of Novorossiysk suffered extensive damage to two major grain export terminals and its main naval base. Three people, including an eight‑year‑old, were killed and 24 injured. The strike disrupted grain flows and forced Russia to divert cargo to alternative ports, amplifying concerns over global food supply chains. The attack prompted the Russian agriculture ministry to announce plans to redirect grain shipments to Baltic and Caspian ports. Meanwhile, the navy’s new Black Sea fleet suffered losses when Ukrainian forces struck four Russian warships. The incident underscores the escalating maritime conflict and its economic consequences.
A large drone and missile assault by Ukrainian forces hit Russia’s vital port of Novorossiysk overnight, damaging two major grain export terminals and the last major Russian naval base on the Black Sea. Three civilians, including an eight‑year‑old child, were killed and 24 were wounded, according to local officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as “unique,” launching rockets, jets and naval drones to strike Russian maritime assets. He did not specifically mention grain terminals in his statement, but later reports confirmed that two grain trading companies confirmed damage to their facilities.
Russian maritime forces, whose fleet is largely docked in Novorossiysk after abandoning the once‑fortified base at Sevastopol, suffered further hits when four Russian warships—including two frigates—were struck. The navy’s main southern base, critical for operations on the Black Sea, was reportedly badly damaged.
In response, the Russian agriculture ministry announced plans to redirect cargo to ports in the Baltic and Caspian seas as well as to land routes. The ministry noted it was “taking into account current logistical constraints” despite the ongoing attacks on grain infrastructure.
The blast of explosions over Novorossiysk lasted through the night, with air defence systems engaging several aerial objects. Air defences shot down some drones, but not all. The town declared a state of emergency after the attack damaged pipelines, causing water supply interruptions.
Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported that a man died from falling debris, and dozens of buildings in the surrounding Krasnodar region were damaged. “Several hundred drones” struck the area, Kondratyev said.
Russian forces have escalated their own counter‑attacks, killing at least eleven civilians in Ukraine during the same period through the use of ballistic missiles and glide bombs. 55% of Russia’s grain export is affected by this conflict, with projections indicating a significant drop in August exports.
