Ukraine has carried out a large-scale overnight attack on the Russian Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, using drones, missiles and unmanned naval vehicles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the main target of the operation was the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk. According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian Defense Forces hit what he called the “last major stronghold” of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, more than 300 kilometers from the front line. The attack also had consequences for the port’s economic infrastructure. Four sources in the Russian grain industry told Reuters that two of the largest grain export terminals in Novorossiysk were forced to suspend operations after the drone attacks.
The grain terminal in Novorossiysk, with an export capacity of about 8.5 million metric tons per year, was damaged and suspended operations while the consequences of the attack were assessed. Demetra Holding, the company that owns the terminal, confirmed the damage but did not provide further details. The NKHP terminal, another important point for grain exports, with an annual capacity of 7.1 million tons, was also damaged and suspended operations. OZK Company, the main owner of the terminal, confirmed the damage and reported that there were no injuries at the facility. Novorossiysk is one of the main ports for Russian grain exports to international markets. Russia is the world's largest grain exporter and a significant part of its exports pass through Black Sea ports. Attacks on export infrastructure have raised concerns about the potential impact on international food markets. The main organization of Russian grain exporters has previously warned that Ukrainian drone attacks could cause disruptions to exports from the Black Sea and affect global grain prices.
Last night, Ukraine's Defense Forces carried out a unique operation targeting the naval base in Novorossiysk – the last major stronghold of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, more than 300 kilometers from the front line.
Our Palianytsia jet-powered drones, Neptune missiles, and… pic.twitter.com/kVg9DDBasN
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@ZelenskyyUa) August 12, 2026
The governor of the Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratyev, said the region had been hit by a "massive" wave of Ukrainian attacks. He said at least two people were killed, including an eight-year-old child. The attack marks another escalation in Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets in the Black Sea, targeting both military and strategic export infrastructure.
A burning grain terminal in Novorossiysk, Russia, earlier this morning after a combined Ukrainian drone and missile attack. #Russia pic.twitter.com/ge0baa3Q6K
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) August 12, 2026
