Ukraine strikes Novorossiysk port, killing three and hitting grain terminals

Ukraine launched a massive drone and missile strike on the Russian port of Novorossiysk overnight, hitting two major grain export terminals and Russia's last significant Black Sea naval base. Three people were killed, including an eight-year-old child, and 24 others were injured. Russian authorities declared a state of emergency as pipeline damage cut water supplies to the city.

Scale of the attack

Several hundred drones struck the Krasnodar region, with the Novorossiysk port bearing the brunt of the assault. Two grain terminals were damaged, and four Russian warships were hit, including two frigates. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the operation, writing on social media: "The occupying fleet — every Russian warship that serves the aggression — will not be safe as long as Russian aggression continues."

Grain trade disruption

Analysts warned Russian grain exports could fall by more than 50% in August compared with the five-year average. Ukraine's own grain exports had already declined 23% in July. Russia's agriculture ministry said it was redirecting cargo to Baltic, Caspian and overland routes. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of attacking agricultural infrastructure and pledged to continue striking Ukrainian Black Sea facilities until threats are "fully eliminated."

Air defence shortfall

In an interview with CNN, Zelensky said Ukraine needs only one-tenth of the United States' stockpile of interceptor missiles to defend itself, adding that Ukraine now has 2.5 times fewer interceptors than it did in 2025 while Russia has doubled its monthly ballistic missile launches. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia in eastern Ukraine killed 11 civilians using ballistic missiles and glide bombs.