A Ukrainian strike on the Black Sea Fleet base in Novorossiysk damaged four warships and resulted in civilian casualties, according to officials.

Ukrainian forces conducted an overnight strike on the Russian Black Sea Fleet naval base in Novorossiysk on August 12. The General Staff reported that four Russian warships sustained damage, including two frigates and two smaller vessels. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the operation, which targeted port infrastructure and air defense positions more than 300 kilometers from the front line.

Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported that an 8-year-old boy was killed and eight other people were injured during the attack. Falling drone debris reportedly damaged 21 residential buildings and four businesses. Eyewitness reports indicated fires at a grain terminal and the Sheskharis oil terminal, with the grain terminal temporarily suspending operations.

Territorial Gains and Military Appeals

President Zelensky stated that Ukraine has liberated 745 square kilometers and 26 villages in the Oleksandrivka sector since January. Meanwhile, service members of the 121st Territorial Defense Brigade posted a video appeal on August 9 citing severe supply shortages and a lack of rotation. The brigade command responded on August 10, stating that essential supplies are being delivered to the unit.

Russian Drone Stockpiles and Strategy

Ukrainian military intelligence reported that Russia had accumulated approximately 6,200 Geran kamikaze drones as of August. While long-range drone launches declined over the summer, Russia has introduced the Geran-5 model, which features a 90-kilogram warhead and speeds up to 600 km/h.