Western countries have suspected Russian ships of espionage and preparing for sabotage on critical infrastructure in the Baltic and North Seas. This is according to the German publication Suddeutsche Zeitung.
Journalists from six countries participated in the investigation. They claim that Russian research vessels, equipped with military equipment, allegedly monitored gas pipelines, data transmission cables, wind farms, and military infrastructure in the region.
In 2023, the Russian hydrographic vessel of project 865 "Sibiryakov" was spotted performing suspicious maneuvers over the Balticconnector pipeline. Its crew was suspected of preparing for sabotage.
Journalists tracked 72 Russian research vessels that have made 428 voyages in this region since the beginning of 2022. Some ships entered the exclusive economic zones of EU countries at a speed of 5 knots.
NATO experts believe that many of these ships carry modern military equipment, including mini-submarines and underwater drones. They can be used to damage critical infrastructure.
Characteristics of the hydrographic vessel "Sibiryakov":
- Length — 85.6 m
- Width — 15.2 m
- Draft — 5 m
- Speed — 15 knots
- Main engine brand — 12ASB-25D
The Russian Navy regularly organizes maneuvers in the Baltic and North Seas with the participation of warships.
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