Ukrainian attack on Novorossiysk damages Russian grain export terminals

A large-scale Ukrainian offensive involving missiles and drones damaged two key grain export terminals at the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

According to local authorities, at least three people, including an 8-year-old child, were killed in the overnight attack, while 24 others were injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operation against the Russian base in the Black Sea was carried out using missiles, jets and naval drones. The Ukrainian military also claimed that four Russian warships, including two frigates, were hit, but Russia has not responded to these claims.

A major grain-trading company confirmed that its terminal in Novorossiysk had been hit. Another company also told Reuters and Russian media outlet RBK that its terminal had been damaged.

Novorossiysk is among Russia’s largest ports and is the main base remaining to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. A significant part of the fleet had left Sevastopol as a result of Ukrainian attacks.

Following the damage to the terminals, Russia’s Agriculture Ministry announced that it was taking measures to redirect the transportation of goods to ports on the Baltic and Caspian seas, as well as through land corridors.

The consequences of the attack also affected Novorossiysk’s infrastructure. Damage to pipelines caused a temporary interruption in the water supply, while authorities declared a state of emergency.

Clashes in the Black Sea are taking place at a time when military tensions between Russia and Ukraine have intensified. During the same night, Russian airstrikes on Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians.

Russia ranks first in the world in wheat exports, while together with Ukraine it accounts for a considerable share of global grain trade. Strikes on ports and export facilities have revived concerns about global food supplies and grain prices.