Russia's Novorossiysk authorities limit beach access after sea drone attacks (updated)

Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port PAO

03/07/2024 05:49

(Adds number of drones, context in paragraphs 3, 5-6)
       July 3 (Reuters) - Beach access in the Russian Black Sea
port of Novorossiysk will be restricted early on Wednesday, the
mayor of the city said, after reporting that defence forces were
engaged in repelling a sea drone attack. 
    "Until 09:00 (0600 GMT) on July 3, the bay's water will be
surveyed," Mayor Andrei Kravchenko said on the Telegram
messaging app. "We kindly request you to refrain from visiting
beach areas, embankments and recreational areas along the
water's edge during operational activities."
    The Russian defence ministry said its forces destroyed two
sea drones heading in the direction of Novorossiysk. 
    Russia has often accused Ukraine of attacking its port
cities on the Black Sea coast and on the Moscow-annexed Crimean
Peninsula, but Russian officials often do not disclose the full
extent of damage inflicted by Ukrainian attacks. 
    Novorossiysk is Russia's largest port on the Black Sea. It
is a key oil outlet for crude oil and oil products exports and
transit in Russia's south. It also loads oil coming from
Kazkahstan and Azerbaijan and handles grain, coal, mineral
fertilizers, timber, containers, food and chemical cargoes.
    The Russian defence ministry said also its air defence
systems destroyed 10 air drones Ukraine launched at Russia's
territory, including one over the Moscow region. 
    Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There
was no immediate comment from Ukraine.
    Kyiv has said attacks on Russia's military, transport and
energy infrastructure are in response to Moscow's continuous
attacks on Ukraine's territory since the start of Russia's
invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

 (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Christian
Schmollinger and Lincoln Feast.)
 ((lidia.kelly@thomsonreuters.com;))