Ukraine Successfully Attacks Russian Ship in Black Sea

Ukrainian special forces successfully struck and disabled a high-value Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel near Novorossiysk in the Black Sea on September 10, 2025, according to official statements from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR). The operation targeted a Project MPSV07-class multifunctional ship, one of only four such vessels in Russia’s fleet, valued at approximately $60 million and commissioned in 2015. The attack was carried out using a domestically produced combat drone, which hit the ship’s command bridge, destroying its navigation, communications, and electronic reconnaissance equipment. The vessel was conducting electronic surveillance and patrolling the approaches to Novorossiysk Bay, a strategic location where remnants of the Russian Black Sea Fleet are currently stationed.

Details of the Strike and Vessel

The Ukrainian drone strike was precisely aimed at the bridge area, which houses critical navigation and communication systems. As a result, the ship’s electronic intelligence equipment was destroyed, rendering the vessel inoperative and necessitating expensive repairs. The MPSV07-class ship is equipped with advanced diving complexes, remotely operated vehicles, side-scan sonar, and electronic warfare systems, making it a significant asset for Russian naval operations. The loss of this vessel further strains Russia’s already diminished Black Sea Fleet, which has suffered repeated attacks in recent months.

Official Confirmation and Footage

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence released black-and-white footage showing the drone’s impact on the ship, corroborating the details of the operation. The agency emphasized that the strike was part of a broader campaign to degrade Russian naval capabilities in the region. While Ukrainian officials confirmed the vessel was disabled and sent for costly repairs, independent outlets noted that the exact name of the targeted ship is still being determined, though open sources suggest it may be the Spasatel Ilyin, one of the few operational MPSV07-class ships registered at Novorossiysk.

Strategic Impact and Recent Operations

This latest attack underscores Ukraine’s increasing use of drone and missile strikes to target Russian military assets in the Black Sea. Ukrainian intelligence claims that such operations have destroyed or disabled up to one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet since the start of the full-scale war. Recent weeks have seen intensified Ukrainian raids, including the destruction of radar stations and other naval vessels. The strike near Novorossiysk is particularly significant given the port’s role as a key base for Russian naval operations following the loss of access to Crimea’s Sevastopol.

Conflicting Reports and Verification

While Ukrainian sources and official statements provide detailed accounts of the strike and its impact, independent verification remains limited. The Kyiv Independent and other outlets have noted that they could not independently confirm all claims made by Ukrainian intelligence, particularly regarding the extent of the damage and the specific identity of the vessel. Open-source maritime tracking data indicates that the Spasatel Ilyin’s last known position was far from Novorossiysk, raising questions about the exact ship involved. Nevertheless, the consensus among Ukrainian and international sources is that a rare and valuable Russian naval asset was disabled in the operation.

Broader Context

The successful strike reflects Ukraine’s evolving capabilities in maritime warfare and its strategic focus on undermining Russian control of the Black Sea. As Russia consolidates its remaining fleet assets at Novorossiysk, Ukraine’s ability to conduct precision attacks deep into Russian-held waters signals a shift in the balance of naval power in the region. The incident also highlights the ongoing risks to Russian personnel and equipment, with reports indicating that the ship’s captain was injured during the attack.