A video circulating on social media showed a drone allegedly colliding with the Russian Olenegorsky Gornyak vessel near Russia’s Black Sea navy base at Novorossiysk, a vital export hub.
Ukrainian sources reported significant damage to the ship following the incident.
However, Russia’s defence ministry countered this claim, stating that they repelled an attempted Ukrainian attack on their naval base, involving two unmanned sea boats.
This incident adds to the escalating tensions in the region, as previous missile strikes have targeted Ukrainian ports.
The Alleged Drone Collision:
Footage shared on social media displayed a drone apparently colliding with the Russian Olenegorsky Gornyak vessel on Friday.
The ship, stationed at the Black Sea navy base in Novorossiysk, plays a crucial role as an export hub for Russia.
The video suggested that the vessel suffered severe damage during the collision, and another clip depicted the vessel being towed as it listed on its side.
Russia’s Defense Ministry Responds:
Disputing the claims made by Ukrainian sources, Russia’s defense ministry provided their account of the incident.
According to their statement, the Ukrainian armed forces attempted to attack the Novorossiysk naval base using two unmanned sea boats.
Russian naval ships guarding the outer waters of the base identified and neutralized the approaching unmanned boats, preventing any further escalation.
Impact on Operations:
While the Russian defense ministry did not confirm damage to the Olenegorsky Gornyak vessel or the port itself, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, responsible for an oil terminal in the area, reported a temporary halt in exports.
However, exports resumed after the situation was brought under control.
The Novorossiysk civilian port plays a significant role in handling approximately two percent of the world’s oil supply and is also a major exporter of grain.
The port’s importance extends beyond trade, as it serves as a crucial naval base for the Russian navy.
Escalating Tensions in the Region:
This recent incident adds to the escalating tensions in the region, which have already seen Russian missile strikes targeting Ukrainian ports.
Notably, Odesa and Chornomorsk were among the ports hit in previous attacks, resulting in the destruction of significant amounts of grain.
As such, the situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in actions that can potentially exacerbate the already fragile security situation.
Conclusion:
The drone collision with the Russian vessel near the Black Sea navy base at Novorossiysk is another troubling development in the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
While Ukrainian sources claim significant damage to the vessel, Russia’s defense ministry asserts that they successfully repelled the attack.
The incident adds to the strain on the region, especially with previous missile strikes targeting Ukrainian ports and disrupting crucial trade operations.
As the situation remains fluid and complex, international attention remains focused on de-escalating the hostilities and finding a path towards stability and peace.
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