Russian Defense Ministry reported that two Ukraine’s drones attacked a Russian naval base near the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea on Friday
The Russian warships destroyed the drones, as per Reuters.
The attack prompted the temporary suspension of all ship movements at Novorossiysk, a major Russian export port, according to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which operates an oil station there.
Social media users in Russia shared news of explosions and gunfire this morning.
If the Ukrainian attack is confirmed, it would mark the first time Ukrainian forces strike one of Russia’s major commercial ports.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, responsible for loading oil tankers at Novorossiysk, stated that the port has temporarily halted all ship movements.
The consortium also reported no damage to its facilities, and oil loading operations continue on tankers that were already berthed at the port.
Russian media agency reported that emergency services in Novorossiysk confirmed the explosions and informed security agencies. The port is one of the largest on the Black Sea.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is primarily responsible for shipping Kazakh crude oil.
Tensions have escalated in the Black Sea and adjacent ports since Russia rejected an agreement last month that allowed for safe grain exports from Ukrainian ports.
Russian drones and missiles have struck several Ukrainian port facilities and grain silos in or near the Black Sea.
Russia also claimed that Ukrainian drones attacked Russian warships accompanying a civilian vessel.
