Dobrynya Mikitich

Dobrynya Nikitich class, also known by its Soviet designation Project 97, is a diverse series of diesel–electric icebreakers and other icebreaking vessels built in the Soviet Union. In total, 32 vessels were built in various configurations for both civilian and naval service in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, and several remain in service in Russia as of 2024. Western sources refer to the Project 97 vessels using two different names: Dobrynya Nikitich class for the various icebreaker variants and more heavily-modified derivative designs, and Ivan Susanin class specifically for Project 97P patrol ships.

Developed in the late 1950s to replace aging icebreakers, construction of the Dobrynya Nikitich began at the Admiralty Shipyard in Leningrad. She entered service with the Soviet Northern Fleet in December 1960, primarily operating in the White Sea and Arctic routes. The vessel performed escort, towing, and rescue operations throughout her long career before being decommissioned and scrapped in 1998.