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Ukraine hits Novorossiysk naval base and grain terminals in massive Black Sea strike
Confirmed
What we know
Ukraine launched a large overnight drone and missile assault on Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on Wednesday, hitting the naval base that hosts much of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and damaging major grain export terminals, according to Ukrainian officials, Russian local authorities, and grain-industry sources.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “unique operation” using rockets, jet-powered aerial drones, and naval drones against the last major Russian naval stronghold on the Black Sea. Ukraine’s military said multiple warships—including two frigates, a large landing ship, and a corvette—were hit. Krasnodar Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev reported fatalities including an eight-year-old child and dozens injured; industry sources said at least two of Novorossiysk’s main grain terminals were forced offline, with Russia’s agriculture ministry working to redirect cargo to Baltic, Caspian, and land routes.
What's confirmed
- Multi-source reporting of a massive Ukrainian strike on Novorossiysk overnight into Aug. 12 (Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, AP/NBC).
- Zelenskyy: unique operation against the Novorossiysk naval base with rockets, jet drones, and sea drones; Ukraine said several warships were hit.
- Russian local officials: deaths including a child, dozens wounded; mayor declared an emergency and reported damaged enterprises and residential buildings.
- Grain-industry sources / TASS/RBK: major Novorossiysk grain terminals damaged or halted; agriculture ministry cited logistical constraints and alternate routes.
What's still developing
- Full damage assessment on named warships and how long grain terminals remain offline.
- Market impact on global wheat prices and August Russian export volumes.