Reports have emerged that a Russian military spy ship was detected by the US Coast Guard operating near US waters.
The vessel, a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, was located 15 nautical miles south of Oahu, Hawaii, on October 29.
Since its discovery, the US Coast Guard has been keeping a close watch on the ship’s activities.
In an official statement released on Thursday, November 13, the Coast Guard noted: “A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) responded to the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, by conducting a safe and professional overflight and transiting near the vessel.”
“Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the Russian vessel’s activities near U.S. territorial waters to provide maritime security for U.S. vessels operating in the area and to support U.S. homeland defense efforts.”
Capt. Matthew Chong, the chief of response for the Coast Guard Oceania District, stated: “The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters.”
“Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests.”
According to international law, military ships from other countries are permitted to pass outside territorial seas, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from a country’s shore, without entering that country’s territory.
This development occurs as tensions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin persist, primarily concerning nuclear weapons.
Earlier in the month, Putin instructed his officials to present ideas for possibly resuming nuclear tests after Trump suggested the US might restart its atomic testing.
“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” the President stated on October 30.
Putin has asserted that Russia would only resume nuclear testing if the US does so first. He has asked the defense and foreign ministries, along with other government bodies, to evaluate Washington’s plans and develop proposals for the resumption of nuclear weapons tests.
According to the BBC, the Arms Control Association (ACA) notes that no country other than North Korea has conducted a nuclear test explosion in this century, and there is hope that this remains unchanged.