Swedish Navy Escorts Damaged Russian Submarine Through Kattegat
STOCKHOLM – The Swedish Navy closely monitored a damaged Russian submarine as it transited the kattegat strait on Monday, releasing photographs of the vessel’s passage. The submarine, reportedly returning from deployment in the Mediterranean Sea, has become a subject of public discussion following remarks by Dutch prime Minister Mark Rutte, who described the situation as a “hunt for the next mechanic” rather then a scenario reminiscent of cold War tensions.
The incident underscores the constraints currently facing Russia‘s Black Sea Fleet. With passage through the Bosphorus Strait restricted due to the war in Ukraine, russian vessels are forced to circumnavigate Europe to reach repair facilities, such as shipyards near St. Petersburg. This lengthy detour highlights the logistical challenges imposed by the ongoing conflict and the reduced Russian naval presence in key areas like the Mediterranean.
According to reports, the submarine was sighted in the English Channel before entering the Kattegat.While Russian authorities, via Euronews, claim the vessel was simply following navigation rules during a ”scheduled transit between fleets,” the incident has drawn attention to the condition of Russia’s naval assets. The damaged submarine’s journey comes as the black Sea Fleet faces increasing scrutiny and reported setbacks in the wake of Ukrainian attacks. Defense analyst Johannes Peters noted the extended route necessitated by the closure of the Bosphorus Strait.
