Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could seize European vessels if European countries impound Russian merchant ships, as Ukraine launched an overnight drone attack on Novorossiysk, a major Black Sea naval and commercial hub. The developments highlight the growing maritime dimension of the war, with Ukraine targeting a key Russian base while Moscow signals it is prepared to retaliate against economic pressure at sea.

The attack reportedly disrupted Russian grain exports from Novorossiysk, described as the Black Sea Fleet’s last major stronghold. Separately, Russia staged large naval exercises involving more than 13,000 personnel and dozens of ships, submarines and aircraft across the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and north-west Pacific.