Local authorities reported that at least two individuals were killed and seven others injured following a drone strike in Novorossiysk, a Black Sea port city in southern Russia. The attack occurred at lunchtime on Wednesday, targeting central areas of the city, with officials stating it hit near a hotel. Krasnodar Region Governor Veniamin Kondratyev condemned the assault as “horrific,” noting that fatalities had been confirmed.
Initial reports indicated three injuries, but subsequent updates revealed seven people were wounded, including a minor. All victims were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. The strike damaged seven residential buildings, including the hotel, and 20 vehicles. Kondratyev stated emergency services remained on high alert as efforts to repel the attack continued.
Russian media footage showed students taking shelter in school corridors, while clips captured maritime drones approaching the city and burning cars in a parking lot. According to the SHOT Telegram channel, Russian defenses intercepted at least five Ukrainian maritime drones near the coastline. The attack also damaged the office of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which involves stakeholders from Russia, Kazakhstan, and international energy firms. Two employees were injured in the incident.
Emergency services worked to rescue three individuals trapped in a building’s basement housing an electric scooter rental. Novorossiysk, home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet, has become a focal point as Ukrainian drones increasingly target naval facilities. Moscow has repeatedly labeled such attacks as “terrorism,” with Ukraine accused of launching frequent drone raids into Russian territory, striking residential areas and infrastructure.