A major Ukrainian strike has hit a key oil terminal in the Russian port city of Novorossiysk, resulting in a significant fire and damage to critical export infrastructure. This operation, targeting one of Russia’s primary oil export hubs, signifies Ukraine’s determined efforts to cripple Russia’s war funding capabilities. Ukrainian military reports indicate that the strike inflicted damage on valuable port and oil terminal infrastructure, as well as an S-400 air defense system launcher. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the use of long-range Neptune missiles and strike UAVs in the Novorossiysk operation. President Zelensky had previously alluded to the deployment of Ukraine’s indigenous long-range Neptune cruise missiles against Russian assets, describing it as a necessary retaliation. Ukraine’s military leadership has emphasized enhanced performance of its domestically developed long-range weapons, including Neptune and Flamingo missiles, and jet drones. A Ukrainian security service source detailed that the strike affected oil tankers, pipeline networks, and pumping stations at Russia’s second-largest oil export center, leading to a substantial blaze. Local Russian authorities confirmed the attack, reporting drone fragment impacts on the oil depot, causing injuries and damage to residential properties, prompting a state of emergency. Russia’s defense ministry stated it had neutralized a large number of incoming Ukrainian drones. In parallel, Kyiv experienced a fierce Russian aerial assault, with reports of multiple fatalities and injuries. Further casualties were also reported in the Black Sea city of Chornomorsk.
