Explosions were heard in Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Krai, Russian Federation) on the night of May 17. Air defense systems are reportedly active in the area due to a drone attack. Preliminary reports indicate the port was hit, citing the Russian Astra.
A series of explosions occurred in the city, and by 3:30 AM, at least eight were reported.
The local port may have been targeted by drones.
Footage of the nighttime explosions in Novorossiysk was published online, showing flashes in the sky and fire traces.
"Local residents report that the target of the drones in Novorossiysk is the port and an oil depot," wrote the Telegram channel.
Later, Russian media reported that the port in this city was left without power.
Updated at 4:30 AM
The authorities of Krasnodar Krai claim that the nighttime attack on Novorossiysk was "unsuccessful."
According to the local governor Veniamin Kondratyev, more than 10 drones were "intercepted" by air defense forces, and local fires occurred due to drone debris. There are no casualties.
Meanwhile, propaganda media report that the Novorossiysk mazut terminal and the Transneft terminal were hit by drones.
Updated at 5:50 AM
According to Astra, local residents in Novorossiysk counted 33 drones and more than 35 explosions that night. This press coverage "responds" to the Krasnodar Krai governor's statement about the air defense forces "suppressing" 10 drones.
It is also worth noting that in Z-publics and statements by Russian "military correspondents," there are reports of some "arrivals" in Novorossiysk. Most likely, the port was hit.
Likely targets
There are also reports online that, in addition to the port, drones struck an oil depot and a railway station in Krasnodar Krai.
The press also writes that traffic on Magistralnaya Street was blocked in the city after the nighttime attack.
Updated at 6:40 AM
In the morning, it became known that public transport in Novorossiysk was not operating after the drone attack, and the local authorities canceled classes in educational institutions, with traffic on some streets blocked.
Explosions in Novorossiysk
Explosions at various sites in this Russian city in Krasnodar Krai due to drone attacks have happened a couple times before.
For instance, earlier it was reported that on the night of August 4 last year, the Russian port city of Novorossiysk was attacked by sea drones. Initially, explosions occurred around 1 AM in the South Ozereevka area, and a second series of explosions happened a few hours later in Miskhako.
Additionally, at that time, RBC-Ukraine sources reported that in August, the Defense Forces conducted a successful special operation in Novorossiysk, during which the large landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak of the Russian Federation was attacked.