A video circulating on social media platform X, posted on november 25, reportedly shows a russian air defense missile misfiring and crashing into a residential area in Novorossiysk, a significant port city in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. The incident occurred during a ukrainian drone attack targeting the city's energy infrastructure and military assets.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Kyiv launched the attack on Novorossiysk, Russia's second-largest oil export hub and a reserve base for the Black Sea Fleet. Long-range ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) reportedly struck several logistics and military targets, including an oil loading pier and positions housing S-300 and S-400 air defense systems. Initial assessments also suggested that a landing ship near the naval base sustained damage.
The video shows an object, suspected to be an air defense missile launched from a pantsir-series system, flying in an arc before crashing into a residential area and causing a large explosion. While Russia has not commented on the specific video, officials confirmed a ukrainian UAV attack on the city, which resulted in damage to residential buildings and vehicles.
Misfire incidents are not uncommon in the conflict. Russia has on several occasions admitted dropping bombs on its own territory since the war began. Similarly, a ukrainian patriot air defense missile was reportedly involved in a misfire incident, crashing into a residential area in Kyiv.
Ukraine has intensified its targeting of russian energy infrastructure since august, conducting dozens of attacks across enemy territory, including Novorossiysk. Kyiv has repeatedly attacked this seaport since the conflict escalated, aiming to disrupt Russia's military operations by cutting off a crucial revenue stream from its energy sector.
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Damaged building in Novorossiysk after the ukrainian attack on november 25. Photo: Lenta |
In addition to the Novorossiysk attack, the ukrainian military also claimed to have struck an aircraft repair plant in the city of Taganrog, Rostov province, southwestern Russia. This facility is reportedly used by Moscow to repair early warning aircraft and strategic bombers.
On the same day, russia launched over 480 missiles and UAVs into ukrainian territory, resulting in the deaths of at least 6 people and injuries to 13 in Kyiv.
Pham Giang (according to Business Insider, Interfax Ukraine, Kommersant)
