Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Struck Russian Black Sea Naval Base

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s defense forces struck Russia’s naval base at Novorossiysk overnight, hitting air defense positions, piers and seaport infrastructure.

Zelenskyy described the mission as a “unique operation” in a post on X. He called Novorossiysk the Russian fleet’s “last major stronghold” in the Black Sea and said it lies more than 300 kilometers from the front line.

Ukrainian forces used Palianytsia jet-powered drones, Neptune missiles and unmanned naval systems, the post said. Zelenskyy said the weapons struck their designated targets. He did not say who verified the hits, and gave no details on damage or casualties.

Zelenskyy thanked members of the country’s armed forces, Security Service and intelligence agencies for carrying out the operation. He said infrastructure supporting Russia’s fleet would remain at risk while Russian aggression continues.

He also said the war must end and that all reasonable diplomatic proposals are “on the table.”

Zelenskyy’s post is the only account of the strikes so far. He gave no date, and Virginia Times could not independently verify the claims.

This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update as information becomes available.