Ukrainian drones have struck Novorossiysk, one of Russia’s largest ports on the Black Sea and a strategic point for oil exports, maritime trade and Russian military activity. The recent attack on the city and port infrastructure has caused damage and temporarily disrupted activity at several terminals. The attack lasted more than five hours and activated Russian air defense systems.
According to reports, damage was caused to several buildings, while a bread processing factory was also hit. Novorossiysk is particularly important for Russia, as it is also home to facilities related to the Black Sea Fleet and major export terminals.
In a separate development, Ukraine has suspended drone attacks on oil tankers using the port of Novorossiysk, following a direct request from US Vice President JD Vance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The American request was specifically related to ships transporting Kazakh oil through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal.
Washington had expressed concern that attacks on these ships could cause disruptions in global oil markets. The US also feared that the strikes would harm the interests of American companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, which have interests in infrastructure related to Kazakh oil transportation.
According to reports, Ukraine has agreed not to strike CPC infrastructure or non-Russian ships, as long as they are not under Ukrainian sanctions and are not transporting Russian oil or cargo. This agreement shows that Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure are starting to have consequences beyond the front, drawing direct concern from Washington.
However, Novorossiysk remains one of the most important strategic targets for Ukraine. Strikes on the port are aimed at limiting Russia’s military and logistical capabilities, while also affecting one of the main routes for energy exports from the region. /Telegraph