The Natya-class were a group of minesweepers built for the Soviet Navy and export customers during the 1970s and 1980s (58 ships were built). The Soviet designation was Project 266M Akvamarin. The ships were used for ocean minesweeping. The Projct 266ME - export variant of minesweeper.

The design evolved from the Yurka class minesweeper with new demining equipment including more advanced sonar and closed circuit TV. A stern ramp made recovering sweeps easier. The hull was built of low magnetic steel. To protect against acoustic mines the foundations main engines and diesel generators were padded with rubber, installation of mechanisms for isolating dampers; installation of flexible inserts in pipes; application of low-noise propellers controlled step large-diameter, as well as the installation of low-noise machinery and equipment. An electrical field compensator was also installed.

Seagoing Minesweeper Valentin Pikul laid down on 22 October 1992 at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard, Pontonny (yard No.878), launched on 31 May 2000, commissioned on 03 January 2002 and assigned to the Black Sea Fleet.

Now in service.