On March 2, Ukrainian drones targeted the Novorossiysk port, successfully hitting the naval minesweeper “Valentin Pikul” along with two anti-submarine vessels.
Sources within the security services confirmed that the operation, conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in coordination with defense forces, resulted in significant damage to the Russian naval assets.
The anti-submarine ships “Eisk” and “Kasimov” also sustained serious injuries during the strike. Reports indicate that three Russian sailors lost their lives, while an additional fourteen were injured.
In addition to the naval vessels, the attack impacted the radar guidance system of the S-300PMU-2 “Favorit” and the Pantsir-S2 air defense system. Six out of seven oil loading stands at the Sheskharis oil terminal were also damaged, leading to a fire that lasted throughout the night.
A source from the SBU remarked, “The SBU systematically targets the enemy where they believe they are safe—at ports, bases, and deep in the rear. There are no ‘safe zones’ for Russian military assets. As long as Russia continues its war against Ukraine, there will be no peace for them—on land, at sea, or in their rear areas.”
Ukrainian drones executed a successful strike on Russian naval assets at Novorossiysk port, damaging key vessels and resulting in casualties. The operation underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to target military assets amidst the conflict.