03.09.2026 13:20
Ukraine has reportedly launched an attack on the port of Sochi, a Russian tourist city on the Black Sea coast. Explosions were heard in the city, and thick black smoke rose from the port area. It was stated that the attack was carried out with unmanned naval vehicles, but it is not yet clear which target was hit and the extent of the damage.
Another notable attack has occurred in the Russia-Ukraine war. The sea port of Sochi, one of Russia's important tourism centers on the Black Sea coast, has been attacked.
Strong explosions were heard in the city center on the morning of September 3. Local sources and images from the region revealed that thick black smoke rose from around Sochi Port following the explosions.
In the attached video of approximately 20 seconds, dense and dark-colored smoke rising from the port area towards the sky is clearly visible. The source of the fire or damage cannot be distinguished from the point where the image was taken.
ATTACK REPORTEDLY CARRIED OUT WITH A NAVAL DRONE
Initial reports in the foreign press indicate that the attack was carried out with unmanned naval vehicles belonging to Ukraine. According to an OSINT analysis conducted by ASTRA on the images, two separate smoke points were detected around the port. Sources in the region also reported that an unmanned naval vehicle attack had occurred.
Although there are reports that the attack was carried out by the Ukrainian side, current sources do not include any official statement from the Kiev administration claiming responsibility for the attack.
WHAT THE TARGET WAS IS DEBATED
There is conflicting information regarding the target of the attack. Some Ukrainian sources claimed that the target might have been a multi-purpose supply ship supporting oil and natural gas activities in the open sea. Other sources alleged that the Pantsir-S1 air defense system, radar, or patrol ships in the port may have been targeted. These claims have not yet been confirmed by independent sources.
FLIGHTS RESTRICTED AT SOCHI AND GELENDZHIK AIRPORTS
Air traffic in the region was also affected during the attack. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsiya announced that temporary restrictions were imposed on the arrivals and departures of aircraft at Sochi and Gelendzhik airports. The agency stated that the decision was made to ensure flight safety.
MOSCOW REGION ALSO TARGETED BY DRONES
The attack in Sochi occurred during hours when different regions of Russia were facing intense unmanned aerial vehicle attacks. It was announced that 56 unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down over the Moscow region throughout the night, while some residential buildings in Kubinka and Pavlovsky Posad were reported to have been hit and damaged.
There is still no definitive information regarding the extent of the damage caused by the attack on Sochi Port or which specific target was hit.