THIS is the shocking moment Russian air defences scramble to repel a Ukrainian blitz targeting the key Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
Dramatic footage shows the night sky erupting as missiles streak upwards from Russian air-defence systems.
Russian air defences worked to prevent Ukrainian missiles getting through Credit: X
Daybreak revealed the full extent of the damage Credit: X
In separate footage, concerned witnesses gather around as smoke billows from the smouldering wreckage.
A third clip shows a water cannon battling to extinguish flames, while a line of cars backs up in the foreground.
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The major attack on Novorossiysk destroyed warships and forced two major grain terminals to suspend operations.
Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said at least two people were killed, including an eight-year-old girl.
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Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames Credit: X
Satellite imagery revealed the damage on the port Credit: AFP
Ukraine‘s SBU security service described the assault as being of “strategic significance”, saying the naval base was struck by a barrage of drones and missiles.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said two frigates, a large landing ship, a corvette and other vessels were hit.
The strikes have also raised fears of disruption to global food supplies, with Russia among the world’s largest wheat exporters.
Russia’s Agriculture Ministry said it was working to establish alternative routes for exports.
One of the country’s main grain lobby groups warned last month that further attacks could shut down Black Sea grain exports entirely, potentially sending prices soaring.
Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko said the port suspended its water supply and declared a state of emergency following the strikes.
He said four businesses, more than two dozen residential buildings and several educational facilities were damaged.
The attack comes after heavy strikes on Ukrainian grain shipments in the Black Sea.
The naval fleet stationed in the port was badly damaged Credit: AFP
Other key infrastructure was also hit in the assault Credit: AFP
According to Ukraine’s Agriculture Ministry, shipments fell by 76 per cent in the first two weeks of August compared with the same period last year.
On Wednesday, Ukraine and Moldova also agreed a plan to route Ukrainian grain shipments through Moldova by rail.
Separately, more than three dozen drones were shot down over Sevastopol in Crimea on Wednesday.
As the bitter conflict enters its fifth year, Moscow has intensified strikes on Ukrainian logistics and warehouse facilities in response to attacks by Kyiv.
Zelensky said on Tuesday that Ukraine had handed US negotiators proposals for a plan to end the conflict.
Kyiv has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, while Moscow maintains that any settlement must involve Ukraine relinquishing territory.
