German newspaper Bild reported this, according to Ukrinform.
Shortly after the arrival of the Admiral Levchenko destroyer, the modern Admiral Kasatonov missile frigate from Russia’s Northern Fleet also arrived in the Baltic Sea. It is one of Russia’s most advanced warships. The deployment comes as Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin threatens Europe with countermeasures in response to sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, the report noted.
The Admiral Kasatonov entered service in 2020 and belongs to the Admiral Gorshkov class. According to Russian sources, it can launch Kalibr and Zircon cruise missiles.
The frigate was recently deployed to provide security and escort Russian cargo vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel.
The Admiral Levchenko, more than 160 meters long, belongs to the Soviet-era Udaloy class and has been in service since 1988. It was originally designed for anti-submarine warfare and is equipped with air defense systems, torpedoes, deck guns and helicopters.
Moscow has made no official statement on the reasons for the deployment. However, Russia has increasingly deployed warships in recent months to escort tankers and cargo vessels belonging to its “shadow fleet.”
The newspaper recalled that just a few days ago, Putin threatened European states taking measures against Russia’s shadow fleet with “mirror measures.”
Maritime security expert Moritz Brake warned against dismissing Putin’s threats as mere rhetoric.
"Strategically, Moscow is primarily trying to create uncertainty and increase the costs of Western measures against its shadow fleet. Precisely for this reason, Europe must not give the impression that such threats will be tolerated – especially if they are followed by action," Brake told BILD.
Read also:Lithuania not ruling out downed drone over Latvia was 'false flag' operation
As reported, European intelligence services believe Russia could step up hybrid attacks against the Baltic states and Poland amid growing concerns that Moscow wants to further intimidate countries supporting Ukraine.
Photo: Wikipedia