Ukraine’s naval drones targeted the Russian port city of Tuapse in the Krasnodar region, causing significant damage to the oil terminal.
The attack occurred on November 10, triggering explosions that residents said lasted for hours as drone alerts remained active for nearly eight hours.
Sergey Boyko, head of the Tuapse municipal district, later confirmed that the threat from unmanned boats and drones had been lifted.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council’s Joint Forces Operation Center, confirmed the attack. “There was a fire in the port of Tuapse at night,” he stated.
Ukraine Drone Strike Hits Russian Port of Tuapse, Damages Oil Terminal
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the coordinated strike with other defence forces hit the oil terminal where at least three vessels with semi-shadow status were being loaded.
Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the strike would have lasting effects on Russia’s oil exports and maritime operations.
He added that the damage to such strategic facilities “will affect not only crude oil exports but also companies’ confidence in Russian ports.”
Also Read: Ukraine Strikes Back with Defense Boost
According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, seven drones were intercepted over the Black Sea.
“Four drones were neutralized in the Black Sea near Tuapse. One of the unmanned boats detonated near the coastline. The shock wave damaged the windows on the second floor of a two-story building, a garage, and a hangar, but there were no casualties. Emergency services are working at the scene,” the Operational Headquarters said.
Russian Tuapse Refinery Stops Operations
The Russian oil refinery in Tuapse suspended operations on November 2, following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reported. According to a report on November 5, industry sources indicated the halt was caused by damage to the port infrastructure critical for refinery operations.
A Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) source told the Kyiv Independent that Ukrainian drones targeted an oil terminal and a tanker in Krasnodar Krai late on November 1.
Also Read: Russia Suffers Another Setback After Deadly Attack by Ukrainian Special Forces
The SBU confirmed that five drone strikes took place during the operation.
The strikes ignited a tanker and caused extensive damage, leaving at least four piers used for loading and unloading vessels inoperable.
Several port buildings were also affected, further disrupting operations at the facility.
The Tuapse refinery, which has a production capacity of 240,000 barrels per day, was scheduled to ramp up oil product exports in November, Reuters reported.
The facility produces naphtha, fuel oil, vacuum gas oil, and high-sulfur diesel, with major shipments destined for China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
