Massive drone attack on Russian port kills three, damages grain terminals

Ukraine launched a massive drone assault on the strategic Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, a critical hub for Russian grain exports. The overnight attack on Wednesday and Thursday resulted in three fatalities, including a child, and left at least 24 people injured, according to local authorities cited by Reuters. Significant damage was inflicted upon port infrastructure, with two major grain terminals temporarily taken out of service.

This disruption has sparked concerns about potential impacts on Russian grain exports and subsequent global market prices. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated the attack held "strategic importance," claiming Ukrainian forces struck the Russian naval base using drones and missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that two frigates, a large landing ship, a corvette, and other vessels were hit, along with air defense positions, quays, and port infrastructure. He indicated the use of jet-powered drones, missiles, and unmanned naval systems. The full extent of military damage could not be independently verified.

The port's importance is amplified by Russia's status as the world's leading grain exporter. Disruptions to Black Sea shipments could affect global prices, disproportionately impacting countries in Africa and the Middle East reliant on grain imports. The Russian grain sector had previously warned that increased Ukrainian attacks on port infrastructure could jeopardize exports.

Novorossiysk's mayor, Andrei Kravchenko, reported that the port suspended its water supply and declared a state of emergency in the city. He noted damage to four enterprises, over 20 residential buildings, and several educational institutions, describing the night as "terrible" on Telegram. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces shot down and destroyed 502 Ukrainian drones overnight. Attacks also reportedly damaged homes in Crimea, a territory internationally recognized as occupied and illegally annexed by Russia.