Putin humiliated as prized warship 'attacked by Ukraine in Russian port'

A drone is believed to have struck Vladimir Putin's lead frigate Admiral Grigorovich in the Black Sea port in a fresh blow to the Russian leader.

The vessel, which has been used to pummel Ukraine with deadly Kalibr cruise missiles, was hit in Novorossiysk port, according to Kyiv's drone forces commander Robert Brovdi, known by his call sign Madyar.

The attack came as other targets including the oil exporting port were hit in Novorossiysk - a vital foreign currency earner for Putin’s war machine. Footage shows a drone approaching the missile-carrying Admiral Grigorovich, but it cuts out before the moment of impact.

There is no independent confirmation so far of a hit but even the arrival of a Ukrainian drone so close to a prestige Russian warship is embarrassing for Putin and his air defences.

“Air defence missiles were launched from the ship during the attack, but this did not prevent the ship from hitting its target,” said a statement. "The extent of the damage is currently being determined."

Reports say the Russian-controlled floating drilling rig Sivash was also struck by the Ukrainian navy.

The operation was "carried out by the Birds of the 1st Unmanned Systems Forces Centre", the statement said.

The attack was planned and coordinated by the SBU, Ukraine’s security service.