Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Novorossiysk, Russia
A major Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Russian port city of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea overnight, resulting in damage to infrastructure and injuries to civilians. The strikes underscore Ukraine’s growing ability to reach deep inside Russian territory and target key logistical and naval hubs.
Attack Details and Damage Assessment
The attack on Novorossiysk, which hosts relocated elements of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet following repeated Ukrainian strikes in Crimea, occurred on Tuesday morning, September 25, 2025. Andrey Kravchenko, the city’s mayor, announced an air raid alert via Telegram . Initial reports indicated at least two people were killed and three others injured. Veniamin Kondratyev, the regional governor, reported damage to five residential buildings and a hotel .
Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have downed 172 Ukrainian drones, with 67 intercepted over the Black Sea and 66 over the Krasnodar region . Although, the extent of the damage suggests some drones successfully reached their targets.
Military Implications and Targets
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that the drone strikes destroyed four S-400 “Triumph” launchers and two radars in Novorossiysk . Specifically, the destroyed radars were identified as the 96N6 (“Cheese Board”), an early-warning radar, and the 92N6 (“Grave Stone”), a target designation radar . The base reportedly housed around 12 S-400 launchers, with the possibility of additional damage to others .
Novorossiysk has become a crucial logistics and naval hub for the Russian Black Sea Fleet since Sevastopol became increasingly vulnerable to attack. The city handles not only Russian oil but also shipments from Kazakhstan, processing over 2 million barrels per day, representing roughly 5% of global maritime oil supplies .
Ukraine’s Strategy and Asymmetric Warfare
The attack on Novorossiysk demonstrates Ukraine’s continued adaptation to asymmetric warfare, targeting both strategic infrastructure and aiming to exert psychological pressure on Russia . By striking a location deep within Russian territory, Ukraine signals that previously considered “safe zones” are now within reach. Ukraine has routinely targeted oil facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied territories to disrupt Moscow’s military logistics and supply lines .
A separate drone attack on November 14, 2025, targeted an oil depot, a container terminal, coastal infrastructure, and a ship in Novorossiysk .
Further Developments
On March 11, 2026, reports indicate drones hit a major Russian oil terminal in Novorossiysk, injuring five people .