03:01 04-05-2026

Drone Attack Reported on Tankers Near Novorossiysk Port

Ukraine claims a drone attack on oil tankers near Novorossiysk port, while details on damage, vessels involved, and impact remain unconfirmed.

On the night of May 3, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted two Russian oil tankers near the entrance to the port of Novorossiysk. The claim was made by Vladimir Zelensky, who posted a video on his Telegram channel that appears to have been filmed from a maritime drone.

According to Zelensky’s account, Ukrainian units continued what he described as «sanctions» against Russia’s shadow oil fleet, striking two vessels operating in the waters at the port’s approach. He stated that the ships were being used to transport oil.

The footage shows an unmanned surface vessel closing in on one of the tankers before the recording cuts off. The exact timing of the strike remains unclear, as does the extent of any damage. Based on the video, the incident appears to have taken place in the outer roadstead of the port.

Key details are still missing. The names of the vessels have not been disclosed, and it is unknown whether they were carrying cargo at the time or if any oil spill occurred. It is assumed that the attack may have involved kamikaze sea drones similar to those reportedly used earlier against the Cameroon-flagged tanker MARQUISE about 210 kilometers from Tuapse on April 29.

That same day, Ukrainian drones also targeted the tanker Matilda roughly 100 kilometers off the coast of Anapa. Russia’s Ministry of Defense said the Malta-flagged vessel was attacked by two strike drones. The ministry also reported that on the night of May 3, air defenses destroyed 14 maritime drones. As of now, there has been no official confirmation of successful hits on tankers near Novorossiysk.