Ukrainian drone strikes Russian support vessel Nefrit in port of Sochi
A Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel struck the Russian-flagged multipurpose support ship Nefrit in the port of Sochi on 3 September, causing an explosion and a column of smoke. Ukraine's Naval Forces said the vessel serviced Russian oil and gas operations and described the strike as a blow to the enemy's logistics and military-economic infrastructure.
Key points
- Attack took place on 3 September in the port of Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
- A Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel struck the Russian-flagged multipurpose support ship Nefrit.
- A powerful explosion and smoke were recorded at the vessel.
- The strike was carried out and publicly claimed by the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Nefrit supported Russian oil and gas operations, serviced offshore facilities, transported cargo and personnel, and performed underwater technical work.
- Ukraine's Naval Forces described the operation as a blow to the enemy's logistics, special capabilities, and military-economic infrastructure.
Why it matters
The strike showed that Ukraine can reach Russian maritime and energy assets far from the front line, extending the impact of its naval campaign beyond purely military targets. By publicly claiming the operation, Ukraine's Naval Forces framed it as a deliberate attack on logistics that support Russia's war effort.
What happened
On 3 September, a Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel attacked the Russian-flagged multipurpose support ship Nefrit while it was in the port of Sochi in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. The strike produced a powerful explosion and smoke over the port. Ukraine's Naval Forces said it had carried out the attack and described the vessel as part of Russia's marine and energy infrastructure: Nefrit serviced oil and gas operations, supported offshore facilities, carried cargo and personnel, and performed underwater technical work. The Naval Forces characterised the strike as a blow to the enemy's logistics, special capabilities, and military-economic infrastructure.