Ukrainian drone attack damages Russian warship at Black Sea port of Novorossiysk

Ukrainian sea drones have launched an attack on a navy base in Novorossiysk, one of Russia’s largest Black Sea ports. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, stating that both drones used in the operation were destroyed. However, Ukrainian sources reported that a Russian naval vessel was damaged, and online videos showed a ship listing to one side.

The attack, which occurred overnight, resulted in a temporary halt to all ship movement at the key port, further escalating tensions in the Black Sea region. The ports in this area have been blockaded by Russian forces, leading to clashes and disruption in the export of vital grain supplies from Ukraine.

The collapse of an internationally-brokered deal, which had allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grain supplies for a year until last month, has further aggravated the situation. Russia’s withdrawal from this agreement and the subsequent attacks on Ukrainian grain ports have caused global grain prices to surge by more than 10%, raising concerns about food security.

During a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Russia’s actions and called on the world to demand an end to the use of Ukraine’s food exports as “blackmail.” He urged Russia to stop exploiting the vulnerable and hungry as leverage in its “unconscionable war.”

The attacked port at Novorossiysk is a crucial hub for Russian exports, including oil. Russian media did not report any injuries or deaths, and the official response from Moscow was limited to the confirmation of the drone destruction.

Prior to this incident, Russia had also attacked port infrastructure in Odesa and struck grain export facilities at Ukraine’s Izmail port on the Danube river. The upcoming peace summit hosted by Saudi Arabia is being prepared by Kyiv, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks ahead to further discussions and talks in the future to address the ongoing conflict.

At the Jeddah summit, delegations will discuss a peace plan with ten key points, including a proposal for Russia to relinquish all the territory seized from Ukraine, withdraw all its troops from the country, and face a tribunal to hold those responsible for the invasion accountable. Notably, Russia has not been invited to this weekend’s summit.