In an audacious move, Ukraine has launched one of its most significant long-range drone attacks on Russian soil, sending shockwaves through Moscow’s military defences. On Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Russian officials reported successfully shooting down a staggering 130 Ukrainian drones, marking a pivotal escalation in the ongoing conflict.
According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, 85 drones were intercepted over the southern region of Krasnodar Krai, while 30 more were downed over Crimea. The relentless assault didn’t stop there. A further eight drones were shot down over the Sea of Azov, and five were downed over the Black Sea. The rest of the drones were scattered across Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions.
The heart of this high-stakes operation? The Black Sea port of Tuapse. Situated between Sochi and the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk, Tuapse plays a crucial role in Russia’s logistics. Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed that the drone strikes had caused significant damage to homes in Krasnodar, with debris raining down in the aftermath.
Ukraine’s Counter-Disinformation Centre, led by Andriy Kovalenko, took to Telegram to confirm that the seaport had been targeted, highlighting its importance to Russia’s energy sector. “Tuapse is home to one of the largest oil terminals in Russia, processing oil and oil products crucial to the country’s economy,” Kovalenko explained. But it’s not just oil that flows through this port. Coal, mineral fertilisers, grain, and metal products also pass through, supporting the economic lifeblood of Russia’s southern regions.
More than just an economic asset, Tuapse holds strategic military significance. It serves as a vital logistics hub, supporting the Russian Black Sea Fleet by transporting ammunition, fuel, and military equipment. According to Kovalenko, this makes the port essential for sustaining Russian operations in Ukraine, including naval efforts in the ongoing war.
Meanwhile, Russia’s air campaign didn’t let up. The Ukrainian Air Force reported another wave of attacks from Russia on Tuesday night, with 177 drones launched across Ukraine. Of these, 110 were intercepted, and 66 were lost during flight, according to Ukraine’s air force. Attacks were reported in the regions of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, and Sumy, continuing the brutal exchange of aerial assaults that has defined the war.
This latest attack marks another intense chapter in a war that seems to only escalate in scale. Both sides appear resolute, with drone warfare now at the forefront of the battle for dominance in the skies and on the ground.
