Ukraine Strikes Russian Frigate Admiral Makarov in Novorossiysk

On April 6, 2026, the Ukrainian military executed a significant drone strike against the Russian frigate Admiral Makarov and the Syvash drilling rig in the port of Novorossiysk, located near occupied Crimea. This operation was confirmed by Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), who reported that the attack involved over 50 drones targeting key Russian military assets.

Ukraine Nails Russian Missile Frigate in Novorossiysk Strike, Hits Black Sea RigKyiv IndependentUsNews and World ReportUnited24 Media

The strike on the Admiral Makarov, a vessel equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, was part of a coordinated effort involving the USF and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Brovdi stated that despite the frigate's attempts to defend itself with air-defense missiles, the drones successfully hit their targets. The extent of the damage to the frigate and the drilling rig is still under assessment, with drone footage purportedly showing the moment of impact.

United24 MediaUkraine Nails Russian Missile Frigate in Novorossiysk Strike, Hits Black Sea RigIn Novorossiysk, Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Admiral Grigorovich frigate, carrying Kalibr missilesKyiv Independent

Novorossiysk serves as a crucial logistics hub for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, which has been increasingly targeted by Ukrainian drone operations since the onset of the conflict. The port is vital for Russian oil exports, handling approximately 20% of the country's total crude exports even during wartime. The Sheskharis oil terminal, also affected by the recent strike, has historically accounted for a significant portion of Russia's oil shipments.

Ukraine Nails Russian Missile Frigate in Novorossiysk Strike, Hits Black Sea Rig

While Ukrainian officials have lauded the operation as a strategic success, some analysts caution about the potential escalation of hostilities. The Russian military has been reported to be struggling with missile shortages, which may limit their ability to respond effectively to such drone attacks. Critics argue that continued strikes on critical infrastructure could provoke a more aggressive Russian response.

United24 Media

In his statements, Brovdi emphasized the effectiveness of the drone strike, noting that the operation was meticulously planned and executed. He remarked, “Air defense missile launches were carried out directly from the frigate during the approach to the target, which did not prevent the strike.” The Ukrainian military's ongoing strategy appears focused on disrupting Russian naval capabilities and oil export operations.

United24 Media

Initial reports mistakenly identified the target as the Admiral Grigorovich, which was later corrected to Admiral Makarov. Open-source intelligence groups had previously indicated that the Admiral Grigorovich was not present in Novorossiysk, suggesting that the Admiral Makarov or Admiral Essen were the likely targets. The exact damage inflicted on the frigate remains unverified, with various sources providing differing accounts of the strike's success.

Reuters

Following this attack, analysts anticipate further Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian naval assets and infrastructure in the Black Sea. The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to the changing dynamics of warfare in the region.

Kyiv Independent