Russia scrambles to hide Black Sea Fleet logistics after Ukrainian drone campaign batters Novorossiysk, partisans say

Agents of the ATESH partisan movement say Russian forces have tightened security and camouflage measures at key naval logistics facilities in Novorossiysk following recent Ukrainian strikes.

The reported security changes come after a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian military targets in and around Novorossiysk, a key logistics hub for the Black Sea Fleet. In recent months, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have repeatedly targeted naval infrastructure in the area, seeking to disrupt supply chains and limit Russia’s ability to sustain operations in the Black Sea.

ATESH is a clandestine partisan movement operating in Russian-occupied territories and inside Russia, made up of local activists and sympathizers. The group conducts reconnaissance, reports on Russian military activity, and shares collected intelligence with Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

Partisans report emergency security posture

In a statement published on 4 January, ATESH said the changes were observed during reconnaissance of a naval support unit linked to the Black Sea Fleet. According to the group, Russian command has moved into an emergency security posture after the attacks.

Partisans reported that logistics areas are now covered with extensive visual camouflage, including nets stretched across the perimeter to conceal loading operations and the movement of supplies.

Concealment efforts undercut by traffic surge

Despite these measures, ATESH said activity at the site has increased rather than decreased. The group described heavy and continuous movement of military trucks and specialized vehicles, causing traffic congestion and forcing civilian drivers to reroute around the area.

ATESH also said Russian forces have expanded technical surveillance, installing additional video monitoring systems around the facility in an effort to tighten control and project security.

Intel passed to Ukrainian forces

According to the group, information on vehicle movements and updated security measures has already been passed to Ukraine’s Defense Forces. ATESH claimed that attempts to hide logistics operations have been ineffective and that monitoring of the site is ongoing.

Wave of Ukrainian strikes on Black Sea Fleet's last refuge

Russia relocated most of its remaining Black Sea Fleet vessels to Novorossiysk after Ukrainian strikes destroyed up to one-third of the fleet in occupied Crimea. The port, located roughly 600 km by sea from the front line, was considered relatively secure until Ukraine began extending its reach with long-range aerial and naval drones.

In December 2025, a Ukrainian Sub Sea Baby underwater drone struck a Kilo-class submarine at its moorings in what experts called an "impossible" feat against Novorossiysk's multi-layered defenses. 

Satellite imagery showed the vessel hadn't moved three days after the attack, fueling speculation it was too damaged to sail. In September, an aerial drone disabled the Spasatel Ilyin, a rare spy ship patrolling approaches to the bay.