Ukrainian drones struck a major Russian shipyard in the Leningrad region, damaging a military icebreaker still under construction.
The target was a vessel from “Project 23550”, destined for the Border Guard of the Russian security service, which could directly impact the country’s naval plans.
Reports indicate that the ship hit is the “Purga”, which showed visible damage after the attack, including listing and possible structural failures. Images also show the vessel’s contact with another nearby ship, which raises suspicions of hull compromise.
Designed to operate in the Arctic, Project 23550 ships combine military and civil roles, acting as both patrollers and icebreakers. Equipped with naval armaments and prepared for extreme conditions, they are considered strategic pieces in the expansion of the Russian presence in icy regions.
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By hitting the ship still under construction, the Ukrainian offensive could delay its delivery and generate additional costs for the Russian shipping industry. The impact on the shipyard could also affect other projects, compromising schedules and the sector’s production capacity.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @Exilenova_plus | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The photograph likely shows the Project 23550 patrol icebreaker “Dzerzhinsky,” the completion of which was planned to be transferred to the Admiralty Shipyards of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC).
Previously, the Admiralty Shipyards of the USC were considered a site for… pic.twitter.com/AnfckMmLF9
— Exilenova+ (@Exilenova_plus) March 25, 2026
BREAKING:
Ukraine has destroyed another large Russian military vessel.
Ukrainian drones have struck the FSB Project 23550 arctic patrol ship Purga just as its construction was nearing completion in the port of Vyborg.
It’s now leaning over and has hit a building. pic.twitter.com/1us2DmBQj1
— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) March 25, 2026
