Major Drone Attack Targets Novorossiysk Port
In the early hours of November 25, 2025, Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) drones, in coordination with other Ukrainian defense forces, executed a significant overnight strike on the Russian port of Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai. The coordinated operation targeted critical military and logistical infrastructure within the port, which serves as Russia's second-largest oil export hub and a key base for its Black Sea Fleet.
Ukrainian sources confirmed hits on the Sheskharis oil-loading terminal, including its loading stands and manifolds, as well as positions of S-300/S-400 air defense systems. Preliminary reports also indicate that a large landing ship of Project 1171 (Tapir class), moored at the naval base, sustained damage during the assault.
Damage and Casualties Reported
The drone attack resulted in reported damage to the port's infrastructure. Beyond the direct targets, witnesses in Novorossiysk described intense air defense activity, with videos circulating online allegedly showing Pantsir missiles misfiring and striking residential buildings. According to Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, six people were injured and at least 20 homes were damaged in the overnight attack. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) also announced the suspension of cargo operations following damage to its administrative building near the marine terminal.
The operation was a joint effort involving several Ukrainian units, including the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center, Defense Intelligence (HUR), Special Operations Forces, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the State Border Service, and the Ukrainian Navy's coastal missile and artillery units.
Russian Response and Ukrainian Objectives
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces successfully shot down 116 drones over the Black Sea and 76 over Krasnodar Krai during the overnight assault. However, Ukrainian sources within the SBU stated that the objective of such operations is to 'systematically reduce Russia's oil-dollar revenues that finance its war against Ukraine, and weakening the enemy's air defense systems that shield key military and infrastructure targets.'
Context of Previous Attacks
This is not the first time Novorossiysk has been targeted by Ukrainian forces. A similar large-scale drone operation occurred on November 14, 2025, also targeting the naval base and the Sheskharis oil terminal. That earlier attack reportedly forced a temporary halt to oil intake and exports, impacting global oil prices. Another attack on September 24, 2025, also led to casualties and damage in the port city. The port's strategic importance as both an oil export hub and a naval base makes it a recurring target in the ongoing conflict.
5 Comments
Katchuka
Weakening their air defense is crucial. Good job targeting those systems.
Loubianka
The objective to reduce Russia's war financing is understandable, however, the reports of Russian air defense systems misfiring into residential areas show the tragic unpredictability of these urban attacks. It's a messy reality of modern warfare.
Eugene Alta
Direct hit on Russia's war machine! Excellent work, Ukraine!
Muchacha
This won't change the war's outcome, just prolong the suffering.
Comandante
It's clear Ukraine is trying to degrade Russia's military capabilities and economic power, yet the repeated attacks on this port highlight Russia's persistent vulnerabilities despite their air defenses. This back-and-forth raises questions about overall strategic impact.