On January 23, a Russian spy ship known as the Kildin experienced operational difficulties off the Syrian coast, evidenced by its drifting status and the smoke rising from its smokestack. During this incident, a crew member communicated via radio to another vessel, instructing, “Warship on your course,” and stated, “I am drifting. I’m not under command.”
Military officials reported that the Kildin, laden with intelligence-gathering equipment, was temporarily out of control while conducting espionage activities near naval exercises held by Turkey, a NATO ally. Video footage and photos, supposedly captured by a nearby NATO ship’s crew, further revealed the significance of this unfolding situation. The Associated Press (AP) acquired audio recordings of the radio communications, indicating a potential emergency that Russian authorities had not openly acknowledged.
Despite the Kildin’s troubles, it failed to accept assistance from the NATO vessel. The situation underscored NATO’s vigilance towards Russian maritime operations, particularly amid heightened tensions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, where concerns mount regarding potential sabotage of underwater infrastructure.
The Defense Ministry of the United Kingdom tracked another Russian spy ship, the Yantar, in the English Channel, indicating that it was surveilling critical undersea infrastructure before being warned off by a Royal Navy submarine.
The Kildin, approximately 55 years old, reportedly battled a fire that lasted at least four hours. During the incident, the crew prepared lifeboats, although they did not deploy them. The ship also demonstrated distress signals by hoisting black balls from its masts. Fortunately, crew members regained control of the vessel, and the Kildin continues to operate off the Syrian port of Tartus alongside a frigate and a supply vessel.
In response to inquiries about the Kildin incident, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed ignorance regarding the fire and dismissed concerns over Russian naval readiness, arguing that assessing fleet status based on isolated incidents is imprudent. Retired Vice Admiral Michel Olhagaray pointed out the complications facing Russian naval operations in the Mediterranean due to distance from its bases and limitations imposed by the Black Sea Fleet’s operational capabilities under current geopolitical constraints.
The audio recordings obtained highlight radio exchanges spanning 75 seconds between the Kildin and the Togo-flagged cargo ship, Milla Moon, which had repositioned northward along the Syrian coast on the day of the fire. Initially, the Kildin misidentified itself as another vessel but later confirmed its identity. The exchange ended with a request from the Kildin to the Milla Moon to steer clear of its course, with the cargo ship agreeing to navigate away and signed off with good wishes.
