A Ukrainian drone attack early Friday caused significant damage to a docked ship, nearby apartment buildings, and an oil depot in Novorossiysk, a major Russian Black Sea port and strategic hub for the country’s oil exports. Russian officials said three crew members aboard the vessel were injured in the strike.
The attack sent global oil prices climbing by about 2%, as concerns mounted over the security of Russian energy infrastructure.
Key Oil Hub Hit Amid Growing Wave of Attacks
Russia’s oil facilities have been repeatedly targeted this year by Ukrainian drones and unmanned boats, hitting ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, major pipeline systems, and multiple refineries.
Industry data shows that crude oil shipments through Novorossiysk reached 3.22 million tonnes (761,000 barrels per day) in October, and 24.7 million tonnes in the first ten months of the year. Exports of oil products totaled 1.79 million tonnes in October and 16.78 million tonnes from January through October.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
Krasnodar region governor Veniamin Kondratyev said Novorossiysk “suffered the most” in the overnight attack. More than 170 personnel and 50 emergency vehicles were deployed to extinguish fires and assist residents.
The three injured sailors were taken to hospital, authorities confirmed on Telegram.
Officials later announced that the fire at the Sheskharis oil terminal—one of Russia’s most important hubs for crude and refined product exports—had been fully extinguished.
Drone debris also struck at least four apartments, shattering windows but causing no additional injuries. Coastal infrastructure sustained damage as well, though officials did not immediately provide further details.
The strike marks yet another escalation in Ukraine’s long-range campaign targeting Russia’s energy and military assets far from the front lines.
About the Author
