Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that his country would retaliate by seizing European vessels if European nations began confiscating Russian merchant ships. The warning was issued as Ukraine launched a major overnight drone attack on Novorossiysk, a critical Russian Black Sea naval and export hub.
Ukraine claimed responsibility for the operation targeting the Novorossiysk naval base, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "the last major stronghold of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea." According to Zelenskyy, the attack utilized Palianytsia jet-powered drones, Neptune missiles, and unmanned naval systems, targeting air-defense positions, piers, and port infrastructure. He stated, "The occupation fleet and all the infrastructure supporting it will not be safe as long as Russian aggression continues."
Russian industry sources cited by Reuters reported that the attack on Aug. 12 put two major grain terminals out of operation. The governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region stated that at least two people, including an 8-year-old child, were killed in the broader attacks. Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko reported damage to more than two dozen residential buildings, four businesses, and educational facilities, leading to a suspension of the city's water supply. Concerns over potential disruptions to Russian grain exports caused Chicago wheat futures to rise approximately 3%.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Putin observed large-scale Pacific Fleet exercises involving over 13,000 personnel and approximately 60 ships, submarines, and support vessels in the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, and Northwest Pacific. During the exercises, observed from the missile cruiser Varyag, Putin addressed European governments' increasing scrutiny of Russia's "shadow fleet."
The European Union has expanded sanctions against hundreds of vessels and detained some ships for checks, with some European governments considering stricter maritime enforcement against vessels suspected of sanctions evasion. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on X, "Attempts to seize Russian vessels & sell off our property are outright piracy. If such plans are implemented, Russia will respond in kind – wherever we deem necessary, including within the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility."
These naval drills included the firing of anti-ship missiles, such as Oniks cruise missiles from Bastion coastal missile systems and a Uran anti-ship cruise missile from the Smerch corvette. Putin also used his appearance to accuse NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions, citing new military alliances and planned weapons deployments.
Attacks continued on both sides. Reuters reported that Russia struck the Ukrainian port of Odesa and caused a fire at a shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia. Separately, Romania announced that its naval forces destroyed two suspected Russian drones over the Black Sea. NATO confirmed that its North Atlantic Council met to discuss Russian airspace violations and recent drone incidents, with allies condemning Russia's actions and reaffirming support for Ukraine.