SAPFIR

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Russian naval officers charged with abusing Ukrainian rescue vessel crew

Two officers of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have been formally charged for the cruel treatment of the crew of the'Sapfir',, which was captured near Snake Island during a humanitarian mission. According to the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office on July 9, 2025, the incident took place on Feb 26, 2022. The unarmed civilian vessel was evacuating the wounded and deceased from the area around Snake Island when it was intercepted by Russian warships. On board were 17 crew members and four civilians: a medic, an electrician, and two priests. All those on board were detained and subjected to inhumane conditions. They were denied food, water, and medical care. Investigators reported that the captives were physically abused and threatened with execution while being held aboard the Russian reconnaissance ship 'Ekvator' and the tug 'Shakhter', which had been repurposed for military use. The Ukrainian citizens were later unlawfully transported to temporarily occupied Crimea, where they remained in captivity until their release in a prisoner exchange. The 'Sapfir' was eventually returned to Ukraine. Efforts were ongoing to locate and bring the suspects to justice.

Russia acts as pirates

The 'Sapfir' was captured by the Russians at Zmeiniy island on Feb 26, 2022. The communication to the ship was lost. It was deployed in unspecified mission in the island's waters. The ship’s position and status as well as the crew's fate were presently unknown.