The Ukrainian military intelligence service (GUR) has claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting a Russian vessel near Novorossiysk, despite the ship’s civilian-oriented purpose. The attack reportedly damaged a rescue craft designed to assist ships in distress, extinguish fires, and manage oil spills, according to the Nevsky Shipyard, which built the vessel.

The GUR described the operation as hitting a “high-value military target,” but the ship in question—named Rescuer Ilyin and part of the MPSV07 class—was explicitly designed for emergency response rather than combat roles. The vessel, commissioned in 2023, had previously aided efforts to mitigate damage from Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ports and maritime infrastructure.

The GUR alleged the ship was conducting “radio electronic surveillance” when it was struck, though no casualties were reported. A black-and-white video released by the agency purportedly showed the attack, which left the vessel’s navigation systems damaged but operational. Russian authorities have not officially confirmed or denied the claim, while some media outlets noted “light” harm to the craft.

The incident underscores escalating tensions as Ukrainian forces continue long-range drone campaigns against Russian territory, prompting Moscow to retaliate with precision strikes on military sites. Critics argue the targeting of rescue vessels violates international norms, further complicating the humanitarian fallout of the conflict.