Russian Frigate with Hypersonic Missiles Near German Coast

A map produced by Newsweek illustrates the range of nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles reportedly on a Russian frigate near Germany. This follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to retaliate against British and EU vessels. The frigate, Admiral Kasatonov, was recently located off Fehmarn, a tourist hotspot, according to The Daily Telegraph and shipping data.

The warship hosts Zircon hypersonic missiles, or 3M22 Zircon, known for their speed and difficulty to intercept by air defense systems. Moscow has used them in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Reportedly, the Admiral Kasatonov may have traveled without an active location tracker, rendering its position uncertain as of Tuesday. German publication Kieler Nachrichten noted its deployment to the Baltic Sea happened shortly after the destroyer Admiral Levchenko reached the area. Newsweek requested comments from German and Russian defense ministries.

Understanding Admiral Kasatonov

Constructed in 2020, the Admiral Kasatonov belongs to Russia’s Northern Fleet. It represents advanced naval capability, executing long-range strikes and anti-submarine warfare. Russian state media depicted Putin visiting the ship in Severodvinsk’s Arctic port in December 2023. The Zircon missiles’ range reaches up to 660 miles, targeting NATO countries like Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. The ship’s Baltic movement underscores growing tension between Russia and NATO.

This month, The Wall Street Journal cited a U.S. intelligence report forecasting that Moscow might attack the Western alliance in weeks, potentially targeting Poland or a Baltic state. U.S. and NATO officials suggest Putin could heighten conflict with NATO if peace with Ukraine eludes him. Possible scenarios involve cyberattacks and minor incursions, testing NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense commitment.

Putin’s Threats Against UK and EU Ships

During Russia’s Pacific Fleet drills, Putin recently asserted readiness to strike British and EU vessels that interfered with Russia-linked ships, known as the “shadow fleet,” used to bypass oil sanctions from the Ukrainian invasion. Putin labeled such actions as piracy and robbery and promised reciprocal responses. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s Security Council deputy chairman, declared Russia’s right to target enemy state merchant ships.

For further details, contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Shakeema Edwards.