Fires Rise as Russian Novorossiysk Port, Oil Depot Hit Massive Drone Attack

Novorossiysk, a key city in Russia's Krasnodar Territory, fell under attack during the late hours of Friday, May 17, as drones targeted critical facilities, including oil depots and terminals.

According to reports from the Russian publication Astra, the Novorossiysk Mazutny Terminal and the Importpishcheprom terminal were among the affected sites, with two fuel tanks struck at the latter. Additionally, the Gazprom oil depot in Kyrylivka village and the Hrushovaya Balka oil depot owned by Transneft suffered damage.

Russian authorities and state media outlets stated that all drones were intercepted, attributing subsequent fires to falling debris. No casualties have been confirmed thus far.

Eyewitnesses reported explosions heard in Novorossiysk from approximately 3:00 AM to nearly 4:00 AM, with over 30 blasts counted. Russian anti-aircraft defenses were reportedly activated in response to the drone incursion.

Explosions were also reported in Novorossiysk's port, disrupting operations and causing power outages in the area. Some parts of the city experienced electricity disruptions, impacting public transportation and leading to road closures.

In addition, a drone strike targeted the Russian oil refinery in Tuapse on Friday morning.

The U.K. Defense Ministry had previously highlighted Russia's reinforcement of defenses at the Novorossiysk port amid concerns of potential Ukrainian aggression. This followed the relocation of most of Russia's Black Sea Fleet vessels from Crimea to Novorossiysk in 2023, prompted by Ukrainian attacks, including a missile strike on the fleet's Sevastopol headquarters in September 2022.

Novorossiysk port, situated on Russia's Black Sea coast within Krasnodar Krai, serves as a crucial maritime hub.

Ukrainian forces have reportedly conducted drone attacks targeting Russia's oil infrastructure this spring, allegedly in response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed responsibility for a drone attack on a Russian oil base in Rostov Oblast on May 15.