Ukrainian drones and missiles damage Russian grain terminals in Novorossiysk

Two of the main grain export terminals at the Russian port of Novorossiysk were damaged in a large-scale Ukrainian missile and drone attack.

The overnight operation left at least three people dead, including an 8-year-old child, and 24 injured, local officials said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that missiles, jet aircraft and naval drones were used in the operation against the Russian base in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian military also claimed to have struck four Russian warships, including two frigates, while Russia has not commented on these claims.

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

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

In response to the damage to the terminals, Russia’s Agriculture Ministry announced that it was taking steps to divert cargo shipments to ports on the Baltic and Caspian seas, as well as through land corridors.

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

The strikes in the Black Sea came at a time when clashes between Russia and Ukraine have intensified. During the same night, Russia launched airstrikes against Ukraine, killing at least 11 civilians.

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