Drones attacked the port of Novorossiysk: fire at the terminal

Late in the evening of May 22, 2026, the roar of drone engines was heard over Novorossiysk, and a few minutes later a fire broke out in the area of ​​the Sheskharis oil terminal, which was captured on video and photos by local residents.

The city on the Black Sea coast in Krasnodar Krai has once again found itself in the spotlight. This time, a drone attack has set fire to the infrastructure of a port where key oil export facilities are located. There was no official comment from Russian authorities at the time of publication, but footage from the scene quickly spread on social media.

Chronology of events on the evening of May 22

According to eyewitnesses, the first drones appeared over the water area at about 23:40 local time. Air defense systems recorded several targets, but some of them reached the port area. The fire broke out in one of the tank areas of the Sheskharis terminal, which specializes in the transshipment of oil and petroleum products. Local Telegram channels published footage showing tall columns of smoke and reflections of flames against the night sky.

Over the next hour, firefighters and rescue services arrived at the scene. According to preliminary data, the fire was localized, but the complete elimination took until the morning. There were no reports of casualties among the civilian population or port workers.

Sheskharis Terminal and its Importance for Export

The Sheskharis oil terminal is one of the largest in Russia. Before the full-scale invasion, about 700 barrels of oil passed through it daily. Even after previous attacks in 2024–2025, the facility retained a strategic role for supplies to world markets. In April 2026, the port was already subjected to a massive drone attack, after which exports were partially restored within a few days.

The current incident once again highlights the vulnerability of Russia's Black Sea ports. Analysts note that repeated attacks on the same infrastructure significantly complicate logistics and increase insurance risks for tankers.

Reaction on social networks and first assessments

Dozens of videos and photos appeared on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels. Users from Novorossiysk described loud explosions and the smell of smoke hanging over the city. Some footage showed fire trucks approaching the tanks and flames reflecting off the water of the bay.

International publications, including Reuters and Bloomberg, quickly spread the information with links to social networks. Energy security experts note that even a temporary shutdown of the terminal could affect Urals oil prices in the coming weeks.

Historical context of the attacks on Novorossiysk

Since 2022, the port of Novorossiysk has repeatedly been targeted by drones. In 2024, strikes damaged the berthing facilities, and in 2025, one of the tanks was damaged. Each attack was accompanied by a temporary decrease in transshipment volumes. The Russian side usually claimed a quick recovery, but independent sources recorded longer interruptions in work.

In 2026, after the previous attack in early April, exports were restored to 85% of pre-war levels. The current fire could reduce these figures again.

Economic and logistical consequences

The fire at the Sheskharis terminal is not just affecting Russian exports. European and Asian oil buyers have already begun to review supply routes. Some traders are considering alternative ports, including Primorsk and Ust-Luga, but their capacity is limited.

Insurance companies have raised rates for ships entering the Black Sea, which could lead to a 15-20% increase in freight rates in the coming months.

International reaction and statements

Brussels and Washington have refrained from direct comment for now, citing the need to verify the information. At the same time, think tanks such as the Atlantic Council and IISS have already published brief reviews emphasizing the systemic nature of attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure.

The Ukrainian side traditionally does not comment on drone operations, leaving room for speculation in open sources.