A Russian ship designated for emergency response and maritime assistance was reportedly struck by Ukrainian drones in an operation targeting a high-profile military objective near Novorossiysk. The attack, claimed by Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR), has drawn scrutiny over the targeting of a vessel designed for humanitarian and rescue missions.
The GUR asserted on Thursday that its forces attacked a “project MPSV07” ship, a multipurpose emergency response vessel operated by the Russian Nevsky Shipyard. According to the company’s website, these ships are equipped to conduct search-and-rescue operations, combat oil spills, extinguish fires, and inspect underwater infrastructure at depths of up to one kilometer. The specific vessel involved, named Rescuer Ilyin, was commissioned in 2023 and has previously assisted in mitigating the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ports and ships.
The GUR stated that the ship was conducting “radio electronic surveillance” outside Novorossiysk when it was hit. While Ukrainian forces claimed to have disabled its navigation systems, they admitted the vessel remained operational after the attack. A black-and-white video purportedly showing the strike was shared by the agency, though no casualties were reported. Russian media outlets noted the ship sustained “light” damage, with the captain reportedly injured.
The incident underscores the intensifying use of long-range drones by Ukrainian forces, which have increasingly targeted infrastructure and military assets in Russia. Moscow has responded with precision strikes against Ukrainian military installations, insisting its operations avoid civilian populations. However, the attack on a rescue vessel has raised questions about the tactics employed by Kyiv’s military leadership.
Russian authorities have not publicly addressed the GUR’s claims, leaving the incident shrouded in uncertainty. The targeting of a ship designed for humanitarian purposes highlights the growing complexity and moral ambiguity of the conflict, as both sides escalate their efforts to gain strategic advantage.