Drone Attack Halts Oil Exports at Russia's Novorossiysk Port

Major Oil Terminal Struck in Novorossiysk

A significant drone attack occurred on the night of November 13-14, 2025, targeting the Sheskharis oil transshipment complex at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The assault, attributed to Ukrainian drones, resulted in fires, damage to critical infrastructure, and a subsequent halt in oil pumping and exports from the vital terminal.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) confirmed its involvement, stating that the operation, conducted with elements of the Ukrainian armed forces, successfully struck 'oil-loading arms at the wharves, pipeline infrastructure and pumping installations.' The Ukrainian General Staff also indicated the use of Neptune missiles and various types of strike drones in the attack.

Impact on Operations and Global Markets

Following the attack, Russia's state pipeline monopoly, Transneft, suspended crude flows into Novorossiysk, leading to a temporary halt in oil exports from the port. This disruption impacted approximately 2.2 million barrels per day, representing about 2% of the global oil supply. In response to fears of supply disruptions, global oil prices saw an increase of roughly 2%.

The Sheskharis oil terminal is a crucial facility, serving as the endpoint for major pipelines that transport a significant share of Russia's export oil, including the Urals grade. Together with the nearby Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, Novorossiysk ships over two million barrels of oil per day.

Damage Assessment and Casualties

The drone strikes caused extensive damage to the Sheskharis complex. Reports indicate that:

• Facilities at the Sheskharis oil transshipment complex were damaged.
• Oil-loading arms at the wharves, pipeline infrastructure, and pumping installations were hit.
• Two oil berths, specifically berth 1 and berth 1A, sustained damage.
• A civilian vessel in the port was struck by falling debris, resulting in injuries to three crew members. The Sierra Leone-flagged Arlan oil tanker was reportedly among the vessels hit.
• Coastal facilities, several residential buildings, and private homes also suffered damage, with at least one man injured from debris.
• An S-300/400 air defense position and a missile storage site were reportedly hit, leading to secondary detonations and a fire.

A local state of emergency was declared in Novorossiysk following the incident.

Russian Response and Ukrainian Justification

Russia's Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted a total of 216 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 66 over the Krasnodar region and 59 over the Black Sea. Despite these efforts, several drones reportedly reached their targets.

Ukrainian officials have consistently stated that Russian oil refineries and petrochemical facilities are considered legitimate military targets, as they contribute to funding Russia's ongoing war efforts. This attack marks another instance in Ukraine's campaign to disrupt Russia's energy infrastructure.