The Ukrainian military intelligence service (GUR) has asserted that a drone operation conducted by its “special forces” damaged a Russian vessel stationed near Novorossiysk, a critical port on the Black Sea. The ship in question, identified as part of the MPSV07 class, is designed for emergency response and maritime assistance, according to Russian naval sources.

The GUR detailed the attack in a social media post, stating that the strike targeted a “key military asset” operating outside Novorossiysk’s harbor. The vessel, named Rescuer Ilyin, was commissioned in 2023 and has previously supported efforts to mitigate damage from Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, as reported by local outlets.

The Nevsky Shipyard, which manufactured the MPSV07 model, describes the ships as multi-functional units capable of firefighting, oil spill containment, and underwater inspections up to one kilometer deep. The GUR alleged that the vessel was engaged in “surveillance and patrol duties” when it was struck, though no casualties were reported. A black-and-white video released by the agency purportedly shows the drone strike, with the service claiming it disabled the ship’s navigation systems.

Russian authorities have remained silent on the incident, while some media outlets noted “minor damage.” The captain of the vessel reportedly sustained injuries but was not listed among the dead. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to escalate long-range drone operations, targeting Russian cities and infrastructure, prompting Moscow to retaliate with precision strikes against military sites.

The attack underscores growing tensions in the Black Sea region, where both sides have intensified efforts to disrupt each other’s logistical and operational capabilities. The GUR’s claim highlights the evolving tactics of Ukrainian forces, which increasingly rely on remote operations to challenge Russian maritime dominance.

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