Satellite Images Reveal Four Russian Warships Damaged in Ukrainian Strike on Novorossiysk Naval Base

NOVOROSSIYSK, KRASNODAR KRAI — Ukrainian forces carried out a coordinated overnight strike on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet naval base and port facilities in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, on August 12, damaging four Russian warships, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.

The attack involved drones and missiles and also affected air-defense equipment and infrastructure at the major Black Sea port. Russian regional authorities reported civilian casualties and damage to residential and other facilities.

Four Russian Warships Damaged

Ukraine’s General Staff said four Russian naval vessels sustained varying degrees of damage during the operation. They were:

• Admiral Makarov, a Project 11356R frigate
• Admiral Essen, a Project 11356R frigate
• A Project 21631 Buyan-M small missile ship
• Vasily Bykov, a Project 22160 patrol ship

The two frigates are equipped to launch Kalibr cruise missiles. The Ukrainian military said the damage to the vessels was being assessed.

Satellite imagery released after the attack showed visible damage to at least three of the vessels, including the two frigates and the Vasily Bykov. Open-source analysts identified damage around areas associated with the frigates’ missile-launch systems, although the full extent of the damage and the time required for repairs have not been independently established.

The attack is significant for the Black Sea Fleet because Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen are among its surface ships capable of carrying and launching Kalibr cruise missiles. Both frigates had also previously been reported damaged during Ukrainian attacks on Novorossiysk earlier in 2026.

Air Defense and Port Infrastructure Hit

Ukrainian officials also reported strikes against Russian air-defense and port facilities. The reported targets included a 30N6E radar associated with an S-300 air-defense system, facilities at several naval berths and infrastructure at the Sheskharis oil terminal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation combined drones, missiles and naval unmanned systems. Ukrainian officials described the operation as involving several domestically developed systems working together.

The attack also affected civilian port infrastructure. Two major grain terminals in Novorossiysk suspended operations following the strikes, according to Russian and industry sources. Novorossiysk is an important Russian port for grain and other commodity exports.

Civilian Damage Reported

Russian authorities reported damage across parts of Novorossiysk following the attack.

Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said people were killed, including an eight-year-old child, while others were injured. Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko said more than two dozen residential buildings, businesses and other facilities were damaged. The city also temporarily suspended its water supply and declared an emergency.

Russian authorities also reported that air defenses engaged Ukrainian drones during the attack.

Novorossiysk’s Role in the Black Sea Fleet

Novorossiysk has become an important base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian naval assets in and around Crimea. Russia has moved a number of naval vessels to the eastern Black Sea, including Novorossiysk, as Ukraine has expanded its use of long-range drones and other weapons against naval targets.

The latest attack therefore targeted Russian naval assets at a port that has increasingly been used to support Black Sea Fleet operations.

The strike also came amid continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian military and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea region, while Russia continues to conduct attacks against Ukrainian ports and shipping infrastructure.

The precise extent of the damage to the four warships and their operational status remains under assessment. Available satellite imagery confirms visible damage to several vessels, but there is no indication that the four ships were sunk in the August 12 attack.

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