Ukraine has executed a significant attack on the Russian naval base in Novorossisk, utilizing a total of 15 missile systems, aerial drones, and naval drones of domestic production. The strike targeted several warships of the Black Sea Fleet sheltered in the port, according to reports on Wednesday evening, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy providing details via X (formerly Twitter).
Zelenskyy shared that a report detailing the operation’s outcomes was published, highlighting the successful combination of long-standing sanctions and Ukraine’s indigenous weaponry. “Today marks a successful operation against Novorossisk,” he stated.
This offensive showcased the growing range of Ukraine’s domestically developed attack arsenal, proving the country’s ability to strike one of Russia’s critical military centers in the Black Sea without relying on long-range weapons supplied by Western allies, as noted by Ukrainian media.
According to President Zelenskyy, the operation integrated a wide range of indigenous weapons, both aerial and naval.
“For the first time in a single operation, Palianitsia, Peklo, Bars, and Long Neptune were coordinated in their actions,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The strike package included various aerial drones such as Mich, Fire Point, Ramzai, Sichen, Trust, Khariok, Bober, Liuti, and Dovbush, as well as the unmanned surface vessels Sargan and Mamai.
Russian Vessels Damaged in the Attack
Zelenskyy reported that verified Ukrainian data indicated multiple hits on Black Sea Fleet ships hiding in Novorossisk Bay. “It is important to note the attacks on Russian fleet vessels taking cover in the bay,” he remarked.
Among the vessels targeted were the frigates “Admiral Essen” and “Admiral Makarov,” a large landing ship, a corvette, and several other ships. Early on Wednesday, Ukraine’s General Staff and the Security Service (SBU) confirmed varying degrees of damage to four Russian vessels: the frigates from Project 11356 “Admiral Makarov” and “Admiral Essen,” the small missile ship from Project 21631 “Buyan-M,” and the patrol vessel from Project 22160 “Vasily Bykov.”
Location and Significance of Novorossisk
Novorossisk has emerged as the last significant stronghold for the Russian Fleet in the Black Sea, following Ukraine’s repeated attacks that have compelled Moscow to relocate numerous ships from Crimea. Situated over 300 kilometers from the front lines, the operation on Wednesday demonstrated that moving the fleet further into Russian territory did not put them out of Ukraine’s reach.
In response to the attack, Russian authorities declared a state of emergency in Novorossisk. The attack has reportedly damaged infrastructure, severed two main water pipelines, disrupted water supply to the city, and caused several fires.
