NATO ships intercepted Russian vessel in Swedish waters
Illustrative photo: NATO ships intercepted a Russian vessel (Getty Images)
A Russian fishing vessel entered the Øresund Strait near Sweden. The Swedish Coast Guard and two NATO ships from Denmark and the United Kingdom launched a security operation, according to the Postimees website.
Local media reported that the Russian vessel first experienced engine trouble in Swedish territorial waters on Saturday, September 13, and began drifting toward Denmark. The ship also suffered a power outage.
It is noted that the vessel Mechanic Stepanov was launched in 2025.
Danish and British warships escorted the Russian vessel. The Danish Navy confirmed this to TV2 but did not provide further details about the operation.
Meanwhile, Sweden is increasing its defense spending to record levels for the first time since the Cold War. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that the country’s defense budget will grow by 18%, from €13 billion this year.
The announcement came after Russian drones violated NATO’s eastern airspace on September 10. NATO has since begun deploying additional forces in the region, while Sweden has sent aircraft and air defense systems to Poland.
