Two major grain terminals at Novorossiysk suspend operations after drone strikes

Two of Russia's largest grain export terminals at the southern port of Novorossiysk have suspended operations following a wave of overnight Ukrainian drone strikes, according to four industry sources.

The Novorossiysk grain terminal, which has an annual export capacity of 8.5 million metric tons, halted work to assess the damage. Its owner, Demetra Holding, confirmed the facility sustained unspecified damage but declined to provide further details.

A second terminal, NKHP, with an annual export capacity of 7.1 million metric tons, also stopped operations after being hit. Its principal owner, OZK, said in a statement that the facility was damaged but no injuries were reported.

Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, with most shipments moving through Black Sea ports like Novorossiysk. The country's main grain lobby warned last month that continued drone attacks could disrupt exports and drive up global food prices, particularly affecting regions in Africa and the Middle East.

Krasnodar region governor Veniamin Kondratyev said the "massive" attack killed at least two people, including an eight-year-old child.

Novorossiysk also hosts oil export infrastructure, including the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which is partly owned by U.S. majors Chevron and Exxon and carries Kazakh crude. The Financial Times reported that Ukraine has paused strikes on tankers servicing the CPC following a request from U.S. Vice President JD Vance. There was no indication that CPC facilities or oil tankers were hit in the overnight attacks.