Ukrainian drone attack: Early Friday, Ukrainian sea drones attacked a Russian navy base near the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, a crucial artery for Russian exports. The incident made the port of Novorossiysk to briefly cancel all ship movements.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which transfers oil onto tankers in Novorossiysk, has announced that all ship movement has been temporarily halted. It stated that its facilities had not been harmed and that oil loadings were continuing onto ships that were already docked.
Russian social media users reported hearing explosions and gunfire in Novorossiysk. If confirmed, it would be Ukraine’s first strike on one of Russia’s most important economic ports. Videos posted on a local online community and distributed by Russian online news source Astra showed ships moving just off the coast, with the sound of gunfire coming from the sea.
The emergency services in Novorossiysk have confirmed reports of explosions, and security services have been notified, according to news agency. The Black Sea port is one of the largest.
Russian air defences shot down ten Ukrainian drones over Crimea and disabled three more with electronic countermeasures.
Clashes in the Black Sea and neighbouring ports have increased since Russia declined last month to extend a deal allowing for safe grain exports from Ukrainian ports.
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