Work was halted in 1994 for lack of funds, so that the actual fiftieth anniversary of Victory Day in 1995, after which she was named, found the ship in an abandoned state.

Upon completing sea trials, the icebreaker returned to St. Petersburg Baltic shipyard and started preparations for her maiden voyage to Murmansk.

The new ship showed superior characteristics for an icebreaker, such as exceptional manoeuverability[dubious – discuss] and a top speed of 21.4 knots (39.6 km/h; 24.6 mph).

[1][4][5][6][7] 50 Let Pobedy is also an experimental project; for the first time in the history of Russian icebreakers the design incorporated a spoon-shaped bow.

[citation needed] On 26 January 2025, 50 Let Pobedy collided with the dry bulk cargo ship Yamal Krechet while transiting the Kara Sea.

[8] The collision resulted in damage to the port side edge plating in a section of the bow of the ship.

[10][11] On 30 July 2013 50 Let Pobedy reached the North Pole for the 100th time in the history of icebreaker navigation during one of Poseidon Expeditions cruises.