A large-scale Ukrainian drone and missile offensive against the Russian port of Novorossiysk has severely damaged two primary grain export terminals and struck a major naval hub. Local authorities reported that three individuals, including a child, died, while 24 others sustained injuries during the overnight bombardment.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as a unique maneuver targeting Russian maritime infrastructure, though he did not explicitly mention the grain terminals. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military claimed that four Russian warships were hit. Russia has remained silent regarding the naval losses.
The Russian agriculture ministry is currently attempting to reroute cargo through the Baltic and Caspian Seas as well as ground-based supply lines, citing logistical limitations. This disruption arrives as global food markets face uncertainty, given that Russia remains the world’s leading wheat supplier.
Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev noted that the attack caused significant damage across the Krasnodar region, affecting numerous buildings and residential areas. In retaliation, Russian forces launched their own strikes against Ukraine, killing at least 11 people in cities such as Zaporizhzhia.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the strikes on Russian agricultural infrastructure, warning that such actions threaten global food security. Despite this, Moscow has vowed to continue its campaign against Ukrainian installations in the Black Sea region.
