What happened: Ukraine’s nighttime strike claims around Novorossiysk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine conducted a large nighttime operation targeting Russia’s Black Sea Naval base in Novorossiysk. Zelenskyy described the strike as a “unique strike” that used multiple categories of weapons and unmanned systems.
Zelenskyy said the operation used the following strike elements:
Zelenskyy also claimed the strike caused hits on key defensive and support infrastructure at or near the naval base:
Zelenskyy framed the reported impact in two ways: he claimed the strike further demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to restrict Russia’s Black Sea navy, and he warned that Russia under Vladimir Putin was preparing additional steps including rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand troops by year-end.
Russian officials and regional authorities offered a different emphasis on damage and countermeasures. Russian officials stated that air defences shot down more than 500 drones. Regional authorities said hundreds of drones attacked multiple locations including Novorossiysk, Anapa, Gelendzhik and parts of the Krasnodar region. A reported photo caption showed damage to a private house after a drone strike in Novorossiysk.
Related current affairs
- Russia targets Ukraine’s port infrastructure in new strikes
- Ukrainian drones hit major Russian refinery in Bashkortostan, sparking fire
- Ukrainian drone attack on an oil hub deep inside Russia kills 13, say officials
- Russia, Ukrainian drone hits kill at least five in each country
- Centre summons Ukraine Ambassador over attack on ship
- Strike on Ukraine-bound gas tanker in Black Sea wounds three seafarers