Black Sea Fleet Denies Damage After Ukraine Reports Submarine Attack

Russia's Black Sea Fleet has publicly rejected claims by Ukraine that a Russian submarine was destroyed in the port of Novorossiysk, releasing video footage intended to demonstrate that no damage occurred.

Black Sea Fleet Responds to Ukrainian Allegations

The statement was issued after Ukraine's Security Service asserted that a Russian diesel-electric submarine had been disabled during a covert operation in the Novorossiysk naval base. In response, the Black Sea Fleet's press service provided video evidence showing vessels continuing routine service.

"Not a single ship or submarine of the Black Sea Fleet stationed in the harbor of the Novorossiysk naval base, nor their crews, sustained any damage as a result of sabotage actions. All units remain on duty in normal operating mode,”

said Alexey Rulev, Captain First Rank and head of the Black Sea Fleet press service.

Ukraine's Claim and Russia's Rebuttal

The original claim of a successful attack was made by Ukraine's Security Service, which alleged that a Russian submarine had been struck inside the port. Russian regional authorities in Krasnodar Krai reported no attacks on Novorossiysk on December 15, further contradicting Kyiv's statement.

The footage broadcast by Zvezda television showed a submarine afloat and intact, with no visible signs of structural damage or emergency response activity.

Novorossiysk Remains a Frequent Target

Novorossiysk has repeatedly come under attack by Ukrainian forces in recent months, primarily through the use of drones. Since late September, several incidents have targeted infrastructure linked to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.

Drone strikes on September 24 hit the consortium's office facilities, injuring employees, while subsequent attacks on September 24 and 25 targeted the marine terminal. On November 29, another Ukrainian maritime drone reportedly attempted to strike consortium-related facilities.

International Concerns Over Energy Security

Following the November incident, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy described the attack as unacceptable and warned that such actions pose serious risks to global energy security. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium plays a critical role in transporting oil supplies to international markets.

Despite repeated claims of damage, Russian officials insist that naval and energy infrastructure in Novorossiysk continues to function without disruption.