Ukraine says its forces carried out a coordinated overnight operation against the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk, striking what Kyiv described as a key stronghold of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet located more than 300 kilometers from the front line.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation involved several types of domestically developed weapons and unmanned systems and resulted in confirmed hits on military and port infrastructure.
Kyiv Deploys Missiles and Multiple Drone Systems
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s Defense Forces used Palianytsia jet-powered drones, Neptune missiles and unmanned naval systems during the operation.
The Ukrainian president said the combination was used to attack designated targets within the Novorossiysk naval facility and surrounding port area.
Kyiv described the operation as a significant demonstration of its ability to conduct long-range strikes against Russian military assets well beyond the immediate battlefield.
Air Defense and Port Facilities Reportedly Hit
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces confirmed strikes against Russian air-defense positions, naval piers and infrastructure at the seaport.
The statement did not provide details on the extent of damage, casualties or the specific Russian vessels that may have been affected.
Independent verification of the reported damage was not provided in Zelenskyy’s statement.
Novorossiysk Has Become Strategically Important
The Ukrainian president described Novorossiysk as the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s last major stronghold, highlighting the strategic importance Kyiv attaches to the facility.
The Black Sea port has assumed greater significance for Russia as military operations and attacks have affected the fleet’s ability to operate from its traditional bases.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range missiles and unmanned systems to challenge Russian naval infrastructure and restrict the fleet’s freedom of movement.
Zelenskyy Praises Ukrainian Security Forces
Zelenskyy credited members of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Security Service and intelligence agencies for the operation.
He praised what he described as the accuracy of the strikes and the results achieved against Russian military infrastructure.
The operation, according to Kyiv, reflects growing coordination between Ukraine’s conventional military forces and intelligence and security agencies in conducting long-range attacks.
Kyiv Vows Continued Pressure on Russian Fleet
Zelenskyy warned that Russian naval forces and the infrastructure supporting them would remain targets for Ukraine while Russia’s military campaign continues.
He argued that attacks against Russian military capabilities are intended to impose greater costs on Moscow and weaken its ability to sustain operations.
Ukraine Leaves Door Open to Diplomacy
Despite celebrating the reported strike, Zelenskyy reiterated that Kyiv remains prepared to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the war.
He said proposals aimed at ending the conflict remain available and called for the war to be brought to an end.
The statement therefore combined a declaration of military success with a renewed assertion that Ukraine is willing to consider diplomatic options for ending the conflict.
