Zelensky says strike on Russian base was a "unique operation" against fleet's "last major stronghold"

Ukraine’s military carried out a major overnight assault on the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk, using anti-ship missiles, sea drones, and jet-powered aerial drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a Wednesday social media post, Zelensky called the operation unprecedented and described the port as Moscow’s most important remaining naval facility on the Black Sea, saying the strike hit air-defense systems, piers, and port infrastructure. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said hundreds of drones targeted several cities; Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down more than 500. He reported two deaths and 12 wounded. Novorossiysk is also a major oil-export hub. Ukraine’s air force reported Russia launched 138 long-range drones and missiles overnight, killing two in Kherson and damaging a Zaporizhzhia mall, according to local officials.