Ukrainian drones that attacked Anapa and Novorossiysk may have been launched both from Ukrainian territory and from vessels in the Black Sea, retired Major General Vladimir Popov, an honored military pilot, told aif.ru.

On the morning of May 20, Anapa’s drone-attack warning system was triggered several times. Sirens sounded three times — at 06:03, 07:41 and 08:15. An air alert was also declared in Novorossiysk.

Popov said the opposing side could use not only coastal routes for such strikes, but also maritime approaches. In his assessment, attacks on Anapa and Novorossiysk are likely coming from the direction of Odessa or Nikolayev. Ships, he added, could also serve as launch platforms.

According to the general, carrying out drone raids on Anapa and Novorossiysk through the sea is much easier, including through neutral waters, where an unmanned boat or a vessel sailing under different flags could operate with a sabotage and reconnaissance group on board.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that overnight on May 20, air defense systems intercepted 273 UAVs over Russian regions.