The first sighting of the "Severomorsk", a destroyer of the "Udaloy" class, took place last week and, according to a report by the Kiel News The ship passed through the Fehmarnbelt at the same time as four tankers from the so-called shadow fleet.
Protection of the shadow fleet
These were merchant ships of unknown origin transporting Russian crude oil and LNG across the Baltic Sea. This is Russia's way of circumventing the price cap on Russian oil introduced to support Ukraine. For its part, the EU has announced its intention to take stronger action against the shadow fleet.
Russian warning
In this context, experts see the appearance of the 163-metre-long destroyer as a clear warning from Russia to allow merchant ships to sail the Baltic Sea unmolested. In addition to its mere presence, this is also supported by a change in behaviour. For example, the "Severomorsk" travelled at an unusually high speed through the tunnel construction site in the Fehmarnbelt.
Increased military presence
The Russian navy has increased its presence in the Baltic Sea since the beginning of the season. The landing ship "Alexander Shabalin" has been observed in the Western Baltic Sea since May. Increased sightings of Russian submarines have been reported from Sweden. And now, with the "Severomorsk", a second operational Russian destroyer has been stationed in the Baltic Sea after the "Vice-Admiral Kulakov".
