U.S. Media: Russian Warship Missiles Can Cover Multiple NATO Targets

Reference News Network reported on August 21 According to an August 18 report from the U.S. Newsweek website, after Russian President Putin warned of retaliatory strikes against British and EU vessels, a map compiled by Newsweek showed the range of hypersonic missiles carried by a Russian frigate deployed off the coast of Germany, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads.

The British Daily Telegraph cited shipping data reporting that the "Admiral Kasatonov" frigate was sailing near the coast of the popular German tourist destination, Fehmarn Island. The report stated that this warship is equipped with "Zircon" hypersonic missiles. This missile, also known as 3M22 "Zircon," has high-speed capabilities that make it difficult to intercept by air defense systems. Moscow has already used "Zircon" missiles to strike targets within Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The report stated that the "Admiral Kasatonov" may have turned off its position tracker during its voyage, and as of the 18th, it was unclear whether the ship was still near Fehmarn Island. German Kiel News reported that the ship was deployed to the area after the arrival of the "Admiral Levchenko" destroyer in the Baltic Sea region.

The "Admiral Kasatonov" was commissioned in 2020 and belongs to the Russian Northern Fleet, being one of the most advanced vessels in that fleet, capable of conducting long-range strikes and anti-submarine warfare. Images released by Russian state media show that Putin inspected the ship in North Dvina in December 2023.

The map compiled by Newsweek indicates that the maximum range of the "Zircon" missiles reportedly carried by the ship is 660 miles (approximately 1,062 kilometers), which would place NATO member countries such as Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland within its strike range. The ship's entry into the Baltic Sea highlights the tensions between Russia and NATO.

The Wall Street Journal cited a U.S. intelligence report this month warning that Moscow may launch an attack on NATO within weeks to test its resolve, with actions possibly including small-scale strikes against Poland or a Baltic state. U.S. and NATO officials believe that if Putin cannot secure a face-saving exit from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he may escalate his confrontation with NATO. According to the report, possible scenarios include launching cyberattacks and small-scale invasions to challenge NATO's unity and its adherence to Article 5 regarding collective defense.

During last week's exercises of the Russian Pacific Fleet, Putin claimed he was ready to retaliate against British and EU warships that attempted to seize vessels associated with Russia's "shadow fleet." Moscow uses these vessels to evade oil sanctions imposed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, also claimed that Russia has the right to attack any merchant ships belonging to enemy countries. (Translation/ Cao Weiguo)