Russia positioned the frigate Admiral Kasatonov, equipped with nuclear-capable Zircon hypersonic missiles, off Fehmarn in the Baltic Sea, escalating tensions with NATO. US intelligence warns Moscow could test alliance resolve with a limited strike within weeks, while reporting suggests Russia is building secret bases to produce advanced attack drones. Western forces have increasingly boarded and seized vessels from a Russia-linked "shadow fleet," which officials say transports most sanctioned Russian oil. Latvia has requested €7bn in EU support to offset defence and economic pressures from its proximity to Russia.
Putin Deploys Frigate Armed With Zircon Hypersonic Missiles Near German Island, Heightening NATO Tensions
The Admiral Kasatonov carries nuclear-capable Zircon hypersonic missiles - Norwegian MoD
Russia has deployed the frigate Admiral Kasatonov, reportedly armed with nuclear-capable Zircon hypersonic missiles, close to the German island of Fehmarn in the Baltic Sea. The ship was observed last week near the popular tourist destination amid heightened rhetoric from Moscow about retaliatory measures against Western maritime seizures.
1808 Admiral Flota Kasatonov
Ship Capabilities And Movements
Commissioned in 2020, the Admiral Kasatonov is considered one of the Russian Navy's most advanced surface combatants. It is designed for long-range strike missions and anti-submarine warfare. Commercial shipping data reviewed by reporters indicated the frigate was operating with its automatic identification system (AIS) switched off while near Fehmarn, and its current position was unclear at the time of reporting.
1808 Russian warship deployed near German island in Baltic Sea
Context: Rising Tensions And Threats
The deployment comes as US intelligence officials warned Moscow could attempt a limited attack on a NATO member within weeks as a test of alliance resolve. Separately, reporting indicates Russia is building covert bases close to its border with Ukraine to produce sophisticated attack drones capable of striking deep into NATO territory.
1808 Range of missiles onboard Russia's Admiral Kasatonov warship
Vladimir Putin: "It's nothing but piracy and robbery. If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind ... [Russia can retaliate] in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate."
Deputy chairman of Russia's national security council Dmitry Medvedev has likewise warned that Russia could target merchant shipping belonging to states he called "enemies" if they are suspected of aiding Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin has accused European countries of piracy following seizures of Russian shadow fleet vessels - Reuters
Shadow Fleet And Western Actions
Western navies and law enforcement have stepped up operations against a so-called Russian "shadow fleet": an ageing, covert network of tankers and cargo ships often sailing under obscure foreign flags. UK officials say the shadow fleet carries roughly 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil and includes more than 700 vessels; almost 600 of these have been sanctioned.
Dmitry Medvedev, of the Russian national security council, has said his country has the right to attack European merchant ships - AP
In June 2026, Royal Marine Commandos and Britain's National Crime Agency boarded and seized the Smyrtos in a six-hour operation on suspicion of breaching sanctions. Earlier in June, French forces—with British support—seized the Tagor in the Atlantic. Moscow has condemned these seizures as illegal and called them akin to piracy.
Wider Regional Impact
As concerns about Russia's actions grow, NATO's eastern members are seeking greater support. Latvia has requested approximately €7bn (about £5.9bn) in EU aid to cover increased defence spending and the economic fallout from cutting ties with Moscow.
German and Russian officials had not issued immediate public comments on the Admiral Kasatonov's presence near Fehmarn at the time of reporting.
Help us improve.
