Overview
- The German Navy reconnaissance ship Oste waited for the destroyer and then followed it, according to Kieler Nachrichten reports cited by multiple outlets.
- Observers noted a shift in behavior as the Severomorsk accelerated after leaving Danish waters, passing the Puttgarden tunnel works at roughly 18–19 knots with a pronounced bow wave.
- With this transit, Russia now has two modernized destroyers operating in the Baltic, adding the Severomorsk to the Vice-Admiral Kulakov moved earlier this year.
- An expert quoted in German media said the timing likely signals a warning to regional states not to interfere with Russian-linked sanction‑evading tankers.
- Norway reported increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic and Barents Sea with UK coordination, while no US Navy surface ships have been reported in the Baltic since September, though a US P‑8 patrol aircraft monitored the area.