Two Russian naval vessels have reportedly sustained major technical failures in separate incidents in the Mediterranean and the Azov region.

According to Russian investigative outlet VChK-OGPU on September 27, the Project 636.3 submarine Novorossiysk experienced a critical malfunction in its fuel system while operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

The leak caused fuel to enter the bilge compartment. Sources told the outlet that the crew lacks both the necessary spare parts and trained specialists to carry out repairs.

Damage visible on Russian missile corvette Vyshny Volochyok after reported collision with civilian tanker. (Source: VChK-OGPU)
Damage visible on Russian missile corvette Vyshny Volochyok after reported collision with civilian tanker. (Source: VChK-OGPU)
Navigational diagram shows Vyshny Volochyok’s maneuvers prior to collision incident. (Source: VChK-OGPU)
Navigational diagram shows Vyshny Volochyok’s maneuvers prior to collision incident. (Source: VChK-OGPU)

The report suggested that one of the few options available would be to discharge the remaining fuel into the sea, highlighting the submarine’s degraded operational state.

VChK-OGPU also reported that the Project 21631 Buyan-M missile corvette Vyshny Volochyok was severely damaged in August 2025 after colliding with a civilian tanker in the Temryuk Bay of the Azov Sea.

The accident occurred on August 7 during what was described in official documents as “combat tasks.” Photographs published by the outlet show visible structural damage to the vessel’s hull.

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Despite this, a subsequent service report recorded the event as taking place during a “drone attack” and claimed the ship’s combat readiness remained unaffected. VChK-OGPU stated that the wording was introduced following the involvement of brigade commander Oleg Sardin.

Earlier in August, a brand-new Russian Navy tugboat, Kapitan Ushakov, sank during final outfitting at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The vessel capsized overnight after flooding in the auxiliary machinery compartment and was later found resting on the bottom alongside the pier. The tug was intended for the Northern Fleet and had not yet entered service.

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