Russia moves missile frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" to the Baltic Sea, Bild reports

German newspaper Bild reports that Russia has moved the missile frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" from its Northern Fleet to the Baltic Sea. The relocation comes after Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, on August 12, threatened Europe with countermeasures should action be taken against sanctioned vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet.

One of Russia's most modern warships

According to Bild, the "Admiral Kasatonov" belongs to the Admiral Gorshkov class and entered service in 2020. Russian sources state the frigate is capable of launching Kalibr and Tsirkon cruise missiles. The ship was most recently used to escort and protect Russian cargo vessels in the Mediterranean and the English Channel.

Second warship this summer

It is not the only Russian warship recently observed in the Baltic Sea — in late July, the anti-submarine vessel "Admiral Levchenko" was also moved there from the Northern Fleet. This Soviet-era Udaloy-class ship, more than 160 meters long, has been in service since 1988 and is equipped with air-defense systems, torpedoes, naval artillery and helicopters; it was originally designed for submarine hunting.

Moscow has not officially explained the reasons behind the ship movements. It is known, however, that Russia has for several months been actively using warships to escort tankers and cargo vessels belonging to its shadow fleet. Maritime security expert Moritz Brake, commenting on Putin's threats, said Moscow's strategy is primarily aimed at creating uncertainty and raising the cost of Western measures against its shadow fleet, warning that concrete action could follow the Kremlin's threats.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has continued since February 24, 2022, while Russia's war against Ukraine began in 2014, when it occupied Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and launched fighting in Donbas.