The article notes that this could be a maneuver aimed at intimidating European countries that are intensifying their efforts to curb Russia’s “shadow fleet” by boarding and confiscating ships subject to sanctions.
Read more In September, the Pramonės Street viaduct will be closed: how traffic will change in Panevėžys
Last week, Kremlin host Vladimir Putin threatened Europe with retaliatory measures against the aforementioned European actions.
According to him, inspections carried out by Western countries are “nothing but piracy and robbery.” The Kremlin host promised to respond with a “mirror reflection.”
According to V. Putin, such actions allegedly violate international maritime law, and Moscow, he claims, will respond to any seizures of its fleet, especially in the Pacific Ocean.
As “Bild” writes, the frigate “Admiral Kasatonov” is one of the most modern Russian warships. It was put into service only in 2020 and, according to Russian data, can launch “Kalibr” and “Zircon” cruise missiles.
The last time the ship was used was to protect and escort Russian cargo ships in the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel.
Meanwhile, the destroyer “Admiral Levchenko,” which Russia transferred from the Northern Fleet to the Baltic Sea at the end of July, is more than 160 meters long, belongs to the Soviet-made “Udaloy” class ships, and was deployed in the Russian Navy in 1988.
Read more “AirBaltic” bondholders approved the proposed changes to bond terms
Journalists explained that it was designed to hunt submarines and is equipped with anti-aircraft defense systems, torpedoes, and naval artillery.
So far, there have been no official statements from Moscow regarding the transfer of the ships. However, it has become known that Russia has been actively using warships for several months to escort tankers and cargo ships attributed to the “shadow fleet.”
Maritime security expert Moritz Brake warned that Putin’s threats should not be viewed merely as propaganda rhetoric.
“Strategically, Moscow primarily seeks to create uncertainty and increase the cost of Western measures against its ‘shadow fleet’ in this way,” the expert believes.
According to M. Brake, Europe should keep in mind that “concrete actions” may lie behind the Kremlin’s threats.
Read more Vilnius authorities allowed the construction of a new kindergarten-school in Kalnėnai
