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Ukraine has announced a large-scale drone strike targeting Russian naval and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea.

Getting into it: According to Ukrainian drone forces commander Robert Brovdi, the strikes targeted the Admiral Makarov, a frigate capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as the Syvash drilling platform in the Black Sea. Ukrainian officials say the ship was hit, but stopped short of claiming it was destroyed, adding that the extent of the damage is still being assessed. The attack was reportedly carried out using coordinated long-range drones from multiple Ukrainian units, including naval and special operations elements, and appears to have penetrated Russian air defenses despite interception attempts.

Ukrainian sources also claimed significant damage to the Sheskharis oil terminal, one of the largest oil transshipment facilities in southern Russia and a crucial hub for exporting crude. According to those sources, multiple hits were recorded on loading infrastructure, pipeline systems, and metering units, starting large fires and potentially forcing a halt to export operations.

Russian authorities acknowledged a large-scale drone attack but offered a more limited account of the damage. Officials said air defense systems intercepted a significant number of incoming drones and reported injuries to civilians in Novorossiysk, as well as damage from falling debris in residential areas. They also confirmed impacts on energy infrastructure, including the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, and accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting international energy assets to inflict broader economic harm on the world.

The strikes come alongside continued Russian retaliation across Ukraine, with Moscow launching waves of drones and missiles targeting cities and energy systems. Recent attacks have caused civilian casualties, widespread power outages, and damage to critical infrastructure.

This all comes as Ukraine continues its long-running campaign to inflict significant economic pain on Russia’s already strained economy, particularly by targeting the energy sector that bankrolls much of its war effort. Over the last 2.5+ years, Ukrainian forces have stepped up strikes on oil refineries, storage depots, and port infrastructure across both the Black Sea and Baltic regions.

The strategy is aimed at disrupting export flows, cutting into state revenues, and increasing the financial strain on Russia so they can’t afford to continue the war. Some estimates have claimed that Russia’s energy output is down by 30% due to the strikes over the last 2.5 years.