Air Strikes - Novorossiysk Port

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

14 November 2025, 00:01 UTC

Location:

Novorossiysk Port, Russia

Latitude/Longitude: 

44° 43' 36.00" N, 37° 47' 18.00" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag and Status:

Unknown

Incident Type:

Air strikes

Crew status

Injuries

Incident Details

Description

Ukrainian forces conducted a series of strikes on Novorossiysk Port, Russia, targeting the Sheskharis oil complex and resulting in infrastructure damage and a large fire. Open-source reports indicate the strikes included a long-range cruise missile or drone attack against a surface-to-air missile battery outside the port. Russian state media reported the fire was extinguished and three crew members were injured aboard a vessel in the port when it was struck by debris from a downed drone. The vessel type remains unspecified.

Key findings

This incident demonstrates Ukraine's expanding capability to conduct precision strikes deep within Russian territory, specifically targeting critical energy infrastructure at Novorossiysk, Russia's largest Black Sea port. The coordinated nature of the attack—simultaneously targeting both the oil complex and air defense systems—suggests sophisticated operational planning designed to overwhelm defensive capabilities. The reported use of long-range cruise missiles or drones against the surface-to-air missile battery indicates Ukrainian forces are prioritizing the suppression of enemy air defenses to enable follow-on strikes. The collateral damage to commercial vessels from defensive debris highlights the risks faced by civilian maritime traffic in ports that also serve as military or strategic infrastructure targets.

Recommendations

-  Commercial vessels should avoid extended stays at Russian Black Sea ports during periods of heightened military activity
-  Implement enhanced situational awareness protocols when operating near dual-use port facilities that may be targeted
-   Maintain emergency response procedures for debris strikes and secondary explosions from military engagements

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