Ukraine-Russia War: Kyiv Drone strikes hit Black Sea Ports ahead of Crucial US-backed Peace Talks

Huge fires erupted at a key Russian Black Sea port on Sunday after what authorities described as a Ukrainian drone strike, intensifying hostilities between Kyiv and Moscow as both sides prepare for another round of ceasefire talks in Geneva.

Regional officials said more than 100 emergency responders were deployed to contain the blaze at the Taman port area near Volna village, a strategic logistics hub used for the export of oil products, grain, coal and other commodities. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed that an oil storage tank, a warehouse and port terminals were damaged during the attack, leaving at least two people injured.

The latest strike underscores the continued targeting of energy and transport infrastructure by both Russia and Ukraine, with analysts suggesting each side is seeking leverage ahead of negotiations. The United States is expected to mediate fresh discussions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, coming just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions escalated further after Britain accused Moscow of involvement in what it described as a “barbaric Kremlin plot” to poison jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said new sanctions against Russia were being considered by London and its allies.

The Russian embassy in the United Kingdom rejected the allegations, insisting Moscow had no role in Navalny’s death.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, continued cross-border strikes highlight the fragile security situation and the deep mistrust that still surrounds attempts to negotiate an end to the conflict.