Two merchant vessels were damaged following a reported Ukrainian drone strike on the Russian port of Tuapse along the Black Sea coast, local authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred during overnight attacks that targeted port infrastructure connected to oil handling and export operations.

Regional emergency officials in Krasnodar Krai stated that the vessels sustained structural damage but reported no injuries among the crews on board. Fire response teams were deployed to contain blazes ignited at the terminal, and port operations were temporarily disrupted. Specific details on the vessels’ flag states and cargoes have not yet been disclosed.

Ukraine’s military later acknowledged responsibility for the operation, describing the strike as part of ongoing efforts to degrade logistical and energy assets supporting Russian military activity. The Tuapse facility, which includes a major oil refinery and export terminal, is known to process and ship petroleum products to markets in Asia and the Mediterranean region.

Video footage circulating on regional media channels showed flames and smoke rising from the port area, though independent verification of the recordings remains pending. Russian defense authorities reported widespread drone activity across multiple regions during the same timeframe, claiming that a large number of unmanned aerial systems were intercepted.

The strike underscores escalating risks to commercial shipping in and around the Black Sea, an area already under heightened maritime security advisories. Industry analysts warn that damage to foreign-flagged merchant vessels may further affect insurance rates, routing decisions, and port-state operational safeguards in the region.

Monitoring agencies and shipping companies are continuing to assess navigational risks, while coastal authorities have not announced long-term operational restrictions for Tuapse.