Multiple Ukrainian and Russian sources have reported a significant development: for the first time, more than a hundred naval drones were deployed in a sophisticated and coordinated attack on various infrastructures spanning temporarily occupied Crimea and several regions in Russia, with Novorossiysk and Tuapse among the targeted locations. Adding an interesting perspective, Ukrainian energy economist Mykhailo Gonchar shared on his Facebook page: “It’s noteworthy that the Tuapse refinery in Russia, which came under attack on the night of January 24-25, only managed to resume operations at the beginning of May after more than three months of repairing its main unit. However, even upon resumption, it failed to operate at full capacity.”
During the night of May 17, Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar region of Russia experienced a series of explosions, impacting both the port and an oil depot, as reported by the Ukrainian website Glavred. As the morning of May 17 unfolded, authorities in Novorossiysk implemented measures restricting residents’ movements in response to the nocturnal assaults on the city.
Reports from residents, relayed by the Russian opposition Telegram channel ASTRA, indicated that approximately 35 explosions were heard across the city by daybreak. Videos shared on local platforms showed flashes illuminating the sky and instances of fire. Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev later described the overnight attack on Novorossiysk as “unsuccessful.” He stated that over 10 drones had been neutralised by air defence units, resulting in isolated fires caused by falling debris. Kondratyev assured that there were no reported casualties among the population. The ASTRA channel, citing local residents, also reported an attack on the oil refinery in Tuapse, also in Krasnodar Krai. The ASTRA channel, citing local residents, reported an attack on the oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, which the regional Russian military headquarters confirmed as being carried out by Ukrainians ‘with two UAVs,’ resulting in a fire on the refinery premises due to a drone crash.
One day earlier, following a nighttime strike on the Belbek airfield in Crimea, the Russian airbase was likely destroyed and taken out of service for an extended period, said military expert Oleg Katkov, editor-in-chief of Defence Express, live on the Ukrainian TV channel Espresso. “Satellite imagery can show the damage to the anti-aircraft missile system, which was evidently present. We are talking about damage to fuel and lubricants. Additionally, an aviation weapons depot was likely hit,” the expert specified. According to him, if this information is confirmed, it means that not only ATACMS but also Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles were used. These are the primary targets for these missiles. Information regarding the destruction of the S-400 air defence system, two MiG-31 aircraft, and a fuel and lubricant depot has been confirmed by the ASTRA.
The recent successful drone attacks by Ukrainian forces on Russian military and industrial facilities indicate that Russian air defence is not as effective as purported. The Ukrainian military employs this strategy because oil production and ports are vital to Russia’s budget, weapons manufacturing, and continued prosecution of the war against Ukraine.
