Two Killed, Several Injured in Drone Attack on Russian Naval Base

Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Black Sea naval base in Novorossiysk on Wednesday, killing at least two people and injuring three others. The attack hit civilian buildings including apartment blocks and a hotel, marking another escalation in Ukraine's campaign against Russian naval infrastructure.

Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of Russia's Krasnodar region, said five residential buildings were damaged in the drone strike. Earlier warnings had suggested the port might face attacks from unmanned boats, but drones carried out the actual assault.

No immediate reports emerged about casualties at military facilities themselves. But the strike targets one of Russia's most important naval hubs during the war.

Novorossiysk houses Russia's Black Sea Fleet, which has played a central role throughout the Ukraine conflict. The port has become even more critical since the war began. Russia moved much of its fleet there after intense Ukrainian drone attacks on Crimea forced a strategic retreat.

This relocation shows how Ukraine's drone campaign has effectively pushed Russian naval operations away from occupied Crimea. The Black Sea Fleet originally operated primarily from Sevastopol, but repeated Ukrainian strikes made that base too vulnerable.

For military analysts, the attack demonstrates Ukraine's growing ability to strike deep into Russian territory. Novorossiysk sits hundreds of kilometers from the front lines, yet Ukrainian forces can still reach it with drone technology.

The strike also highlights Russia's challenge in protecting its extended coastline and naval assets. Moving the fleet to Novorossiysk was supposed to provide safety, but Ukraine has now proven it can reach even these backup positions.