Overview

• The Black Sea Fleet says the transit is part of a planned inter-fleet transfer after completing assignments with Russia’s permanent formation in the Mediterranean.
• Reports that the diesel-electric boat performed an emergency surfacing near France due to equipment failure were rejected by the fleet’s press service.
• According to the official statement, international navigation rules stipulate surfaced passage for submarines through the English Channel.
• The updates were carried by state-affiliated RIA Novosti, with no independent confirmation provided in the cited coverage.
• The vessel is identified as the Project 636.3 Novorossiysk, which had recently concluded Mediterranean operations before beginning its transfer.