Novorossiysk Authorities Confirm Drone Attack on Oil Terminal
On March 2, a fire broke out at the port of Novorossiysk following a drone attack. The authorities of Krasnodar Krai confirmed the strike on a fuel terminal. The fire was contained, but this is not the first such incident at one of Russia’s key oil hubs, according to Russian media.
The fire occurred at the loading pier of the fuel terminal in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. According to the operational headquarters of Krasnodar Krai, the cause was a drone attack on March 2. The official statement reads: “The fire at the terminal’s loading pier was contained over an area of 120 square meters.”
Local authorities reported that the fire was successfully contained. No information has been released yet about casualties or injuries. It is also unclear whether the attack caused a halt in terminal operations or delays in fuel shipments.
Novorossiysk port is the largest oil export hub in southern Russia. Significant volumes of crude oil and petroleum products pass through its terminals, which are then shipped to foreign markets via the Black Sea.
According to industry sources, in 2025 the total handling of petroleum products through Novorossiysk terminals amounted to 19.8 million tons. This makes the port a key element of Russia’s export infrastructure in the energy sector. Any damage to such facilities can affect not only the region but also overall export supplies.
Not the first strike
Drone attacks on Novorossiysk infrastructure are not unprecedented. In November 2025, a UAV strike damaged an oil depot and shore facilities at the Sheskharis oil transshipment complex in Novorossiysk. At that time, technical facilities associated with oil handling were also reported damaged.
It has not been officially confirmed whether the current events are linked to previous attacks, but the repeated strikes highlight that fuel infrastructure remains at risk.
Current status
The fire at the terminal was contained over an area of 120 square meters. The extent of structural damage has not yet been reported. It is also unknown whether fuel tanks or loading systems were affected. The operational headquarters of Krasnodar Krai confirmed the attack and fire but promised further details on the technical condition of the facility later.
The port continues to operate, although additional safety inspections and temporary restrictions may occur.
Possible consequences
Novorossiysk plays a crucial role in exporting Russian petroleum products. If such attacks continue and cause serious damage, they could disrupt logistics and throughput volumes.
Another concern is the safety of personnel and nearby residents. Fuel terminals are high-risk facilities, and even localized fires can have serious consequences. Authorities claim that the situation is under control. However, the attack again demonstrates that strategic infrastructure remains vulnerable.
Additionally, a Russian air defense missile struck a multi-story residential building in Novorossiysk.
Recall that unknown drones recently attacked the port of Novorossiysk, causing a fire.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian Armed Forces struck a command post and warehouses of Russian occupiers in Belgorod and in temporarily occupied territories.
