KYIV, Ukraine  —On Friday, Ukraine's sea drones carried out an attack on the major Russian port of Novorossiysk, resulting in damage to a warship. This incident highlighted Kyiv's increasing naval capabilities and the significance of the Black Sea as a crucial battleground in the ongoing conflict. It was the first time a commercial Russian port had been targeted during the 18-month-long war.

Novorossiysk plays a crucial role in Russian exports, with its naval base, shipbuilding yards, and oil terminal making it a vital location. The port is situated approximately 110 kilometers (about 60 miles) east of Crimea, where Russia's Defense Ministry also reported foiling another attack.

Continuing with the previous news, the attack on Novorossiysk was carried out jointly by the Security Service of Ukraine and the country's navy.

As per an official from the security service, who spoke anonymously due to media authorization concerns, the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian navy landing vessel, sustained damage in the attack. Consequently, the ship's combat capabilities were impaired, making it unable to perform military missions.

This incident further showcases Ukraine's increasing assertiveness in the Black Sea region and its growing naval prowess amid the ongoing conflict.

Continuing from the previous paragraph, satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press indicated that the Olenegorsky Gornyak, the Russian navy landing vessel attacked by Ukraine, was leaking oil. Images from Planet Labs captured the ship dockside, alongside another vessel, matching the measurements and physical features of the damaged ship. Social media posts also showed the ship listing, confirming the impact of the attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged receiving a report from the country's security service, the SBU, but did not disclose its contents. In response to the attack, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Security Service of Ukraine for countering the aggressor state and alluded to the principle that actions taken in the world eventually have consequences.

Friday's assault marked the latest in a series of strikes within Russia, including two in Moscow, which stirred concerns among residents. The escalation in conflict around the Black Sea followed Russia's withdrawal from an agreement that permitted Ukraine to export its grain through the waterway. This situation underscores the growing tension and instability in the region.

Recently, there have been significant developments in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea region. On Wednesday, Russian drones caused considerable damage and a massive fire at grain facilities in the Odesa region. The day before, Kyiv's forces reportedly attempted to attack two Russian patrol vessels near Sevastopol in Moscow-annexed Crimea.

Ukrainian adviser Mykhailo Podolyak praised the latest drone attack, stating that it demonstrates how drones are reshaping the rules of engagement and undermining the value of the Russian fleet. Russia's naval supremacy has been evident throughout the war, with its ships launching cruise missiles at major Ukrainian ports and cities, blockading the country's coast, and laying mines in the Black Sea, making navigation treacherous.

Recent attacks on Russian ships and infrastructure, including the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia, suggest Ukraine's efforts to challenge the current naval dynamic. The termination of the grain deal, which previously ensured safe passage for Ukrainian food shipments, has seemingly emboldened Ukraine to take more aggressive actions against Russian vessels.

Although the Friday attack was a morale booster for Ukraine, it faces a formidable challenge in challenging Russia's naval power in the Black Sea. The Russian Black Sea Fleet's substantial fleet of nearly 50 warships, seven submarines, and numerous support vessels dwarfs Ukraine's capabilities, especially after losing a significant portion of its naval assets following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Moscow.

In the midst of escalating tension in the Black Sea region, naval clashes between Ukraine and Russia continue. Despite Russia's superior fleet, Ukrainian missiles demonstrated their capability by sinking the Moskva missile cruiser and destroying the Saratov landing ship last year. There have been reports of additional vessel damage from Ukrainian attacks.

In response to a recent attack on the Russian landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its navy successfully repelled the assault, destroying two Ukrainian sea drones. However, conflicting images emerged, suggesting the ship was indeed damaged, and Ukrainian media shared footage from a drone's onboard camera, further fueling the discussion.

These incidents showcase Ukraine's determination to challenge the naval status quo and assert its capabilities, even in the face of Russia's larger fleet. The situation remains tense as both countries continue to engage in naval confrontations.

Recent developments in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea region continue to showcase the escalating tensions and complexities of the situation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the attack, and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium confirmed the temporary halt of maritime traffic in Novorossiysk without damage to their facilities.

Russia's Ministry of Defense reported fending off another attack on Crimea, claiming to have shot down 10 Ukrainian drones and jammed three others. Videos on social media showed air defense systems in action and explosions in Feodosia.

The U.N. atomic watchdog found no explosives on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, dismissing previous concerns raised by Ukraine's military intelligence.

Saudi Arabia announced hosting a closed-door international meeting on the Ukraine war with Ukraine participating, but Russia was not invited. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seeks a negotiator role amid close ties to both countries through OPEC+.

In the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, several Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down near Berdyansk.
The situation remains volatile, with military confrontations and diplomatic efforts shaping the ongoing conflict.