The Russian Defense Ministry states that the medium reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs, part of the Black Sea Fleet, has finished a planned move from the assigned task area to a staging point. The ship will be stationed in Sevastopol for ongoing resupply and then return to duties as directed, according to a brief Telegram report from the ministry’s press service.
Officials indicate that after the transition, the vessel will replenish material reserves. Following this, it is expected to resume its missions, maintaining the operational tempo that the fleet outlined prior to the pause for resupply.
In the early hours of May 24, three Ukrainian naval drones targeted Ivan Khurs at a distance of about 140 kilometers from the Bosphorus. The defense ministry confirmed that the unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralized, and there were no injuries among the crew.
Ivan Khurs has been tasked with safeguarding critical energy infrastructure, including the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream pipelines within Turkish territorial waters. This protective duty was assigned in the wake of prior sabotage incidents in the region, notably the Nord Stream disruption in September 2022 and an attempted terrorist act on the South Stream project, which authorities reportedly thwarted with the help of security agencies.
The ministry’s updates emphasize the ship’s role in maintaining maritime security and protecting vital energy routes that traverse strategic waterways. By continuing patrols and quick reallocation as needed, the Black Sea Fleet aims to sustain steady operations while ensuring the safety of maritime traffic and energy infrastructure in the region.
Observers note that the ongoing defense posture around these routes reflects broader regional tensions and the importance placed on preserving uninterrupted energy supplies. The Ivan Khurs, equipped to perform reconnaissance and communication tasks, remains a key asset in monitoring sea lanes, coordinating with allied units where appropriate, and supporting mission continuity in response to evolving threats in the Black Sea and adjacent waters.