NATO Chief Mocks Russia’s ‘Broken’ Submarine Amid Malfunction Denial
NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, recently criticized Russia over the reported poor condition of its submarine, the Novorossiysk. This statement came after Russian officials denied allegations that the submarine was forced to surface due to technical issues. The Russian Black Sea Fleet claimed the submarine surfaced off the coast of France for compliance with navigation regulations in the English Channel.
NATO Chief’s Remarks and Russian Denials
In a recent address in Slovenia, Rutte described the Novorossiysk as “broken,” suggesting a significant decline in Russia’s naval capabilities. He pointed out that Russia now has minimal naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea, referring to the submarine’s return as a “limping” journey home.
- Date of remarks: October 13
- Location of remarks: Slovenia
- Submarine in question: Novorossiysk
- Service entry: 2014
Conflicting Accounts of the Submarine’s Condition
Despite Russia’s claims of a scheduled inter-fleet transit for the Novorossiysk, Dutch authorities indicated that the submarine was being towed in the North Sea. The Dutch defense ministry had confirmed their navy escorted the Novorossiysk along with the towing vessel, Yakov Grebelsky.
In a twist of events, a Telegram channel known for leaking Russian security information reported on September 27 that fuel leaks were occurring within the submarine. This raised alarms regarding the potential risk of an explosion.
International Monitoring and Observations
NATO’s Maritime Command documented sightings of the submarine operating on the surface, sharing photographs of a French navy frigate in proximity to it. This incident highlighted NATO’s maritime vigilance in the region.
- Recent observation: October 9
- Monitoring vessel: French navy frigate
Operational Context of the Novorossiysk
The Novorossiysk is part of a fleet that includes submarines equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles. While the Russian Black Sea Fleet maintains that the vessel was completing essential operations in the Mediterranean, the surrounding narratives paint a different picture of vulnerability and operational challenges within the Russian Navy.
The current situation exemplifies the shifting dynamics of naval power in strategic waters, as highlighted by NATO’s readiness to defend its alliance through enhanced maritime awareness.
