On March 2, Ukrainian forces attacked the Russian port of Novorossiysk, targeting the minesweeper Valentin Pikul and severely damaging two anti-submarine ships, the Yeysk and the Kasimov. A source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of three Russian sailors and injuries to 14 others. The strike, coordinated with Ukraine's Defense Forces, led to a fire that lasted overnight at the port, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.

In addition to the damage to the ships, the attack caused significant destruction to port infrastructure, affecting six of the seven oil-loading berths at the major Sheskharis oil terminal and damaging military equipment, including a guidance radar and an air defense missile system. This strategic strike indicates Ukraine's capability and willingness to target Russian military assets as the conflict continues, emphasizing the high stakes involved in the ongoing war.

The SBU source emphasized that there are no safe zones for Russian military facilities as long as their aggression against Ukraine persists, reinforcing Ukraine's commitment to retaliate against military targets. This incident serves as a reminder of the conflict's escalating nature and its impact on both military and civilian infrastructure, potentially implicating international responses to the ongoing war.