Accusations fly as Ukraine allegedly targets Russian naval base in Novorossiysk

Early Friday, Russia leveled accusations against Ukraine, claiming that the nation had initiated an assault on its naval base situated along the Black Sea in Novorossiysk, utilizing sea drones. This incident marks the first instance, within the 18-month-long conflict, of a direct strike on a significant Russian commercial port. Situated on the shores of the Black Sea, Novorossiysk holds paramount importance, boasting a naval base, shipbuilding docks, and a crucial oil terminal, rendering it a linchpin for Russia's export activities. Interestingly, Novorossiysk lies in close proximity to Crimea. During the same timeframe, Russia's Ministry of Defense reported the successful thwarting of yet another attempted drone attack by Ukraine in Crimea, with a total of 13 drones intercepted and neutralized. Russia's Ministry of Defense further stated that its naval vessels, which were vigilantly patrolling the periphery of the naval base, effectively neutralized two Ukrainian sea drones in response to the assault. The mayor of Novorossiysk, Andrey Kravchenko, said the crews of the Olenegorsky Gonyak and Suvorovets ships 'immediately reacted to the attack and helped to avoid consequences.' Veniamin Kondratiev, the governor of the Krasnodar region where the base is located said there were no casualties. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which operates an oil terminal in the port, said Russian navy ships repelled an attack of sea drones and that maritime traffic was banned temporarily. The company said its facilities were not damaged and that loaded tankers will be moved after the ban is lifted. Footage published on Russian social media channels appeared to show a ship firing into the sea and a burning object exploding. Ukrainian agencies carried footage from social media channels they suggested showed a Russian ship listing to one side after the attack.