A Vladimir Putin submarine with damage is being closely monitored by NATO as it travels on the surface along the British coast.
The Novorossiysk diesel-electric Black Sea fleet submarine has encountered a fuel leak in the hold, posing an “explosive risk.” Though capable of potentially carrying nuclear arms, there is no confirmation of Kalibr missiles onboard. A Russian source has revealed the submarine is facing significant technical issues following a Mediterranean mission.
Various European navies, including French, British, Belgian, and Dutch, have been tracking the Varshavyanka-class Novorossiysk submarine as it passed through the English Channel into the North Sea in recent days.
Initial reports of the submarine’s troubles came from the Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, associated with intelligence sources. The Black Sea Fleet denied any malfunction or emergency surfacing of the Novorossiysk near France but did not address the reported technical difficulties.
Accompanied by the Russian tugboat Yakov Grebelskiy, the 3,100-ton submarine is under NATO observation with a warning issued by the Maritime Command stating, “We are watching,” without mentioning the alleged technical issues.
The Dutch navy, led by vessel Zr. Ms. Luymes, along with a maritime combat helicopter and coast guard, has taken over escort duties from the British forces to prevent any potential sabotage from Russian vessels.
Earlier, the French navy deployed a frigate, while the Belgian Navy sent patrol vessel BNS Castor to monitor the Novorossiysk. A US Navy patrol plane conducted surveillance over the submarine near Gibraltar as it headed back to Russia.
The Novorossiysk is believed to be en route to a Russian naval base in the Baltic Sea. Reports from VChK-OGPU indicate fuel leakage directly into the hold, with no spare parts or qualified personnel on board for repairs. The channel’s source warned of an explosive hazard due to fuel accumulation in the hold, prompting the crew to pump out the fuel into the sea as a last resort.