Belgian navy monitors Russian research vessel suspected of espionage
The Belgian navy is monitoring a Russian research vessel in Belgian waters. The Admiral Vladimirsky was also spotted off the Dutch coast a few years ago. An investigation by Dutch broadcaster KRO-NCRV indicated that the Russians may be using underwater drones for espionage and sabotage.
The navy has dispatched the patrol ship Pollux to monitor the Admiral Vladimirsky. According to chief of staff Kristof Van Belleghem, no espionage or sabotage activities by the ship have been detected in Belgian waters to date.
The ship is continuing its voyage and is not stationary above critical infrastructure in the North Sea, such as data cables, wind farms and gas pipelines. Because freedom of navigation applies in the exclusive economic zone, the vessel is allowed free passage. European legislation offers little scope for further intervention.
In March this year, the Admiral Vladimirsky was monitored by a British minehunter as it passed through the English Channel. A few months earlier, British Defence minister John Healey mentioned a “Russian spy ship” in the North Sea that was being used to gather information and map critical British infrastructure.
In the summer of 2023, the Dutch navy sent two ships to follow the Admiral Vladimirsky when it sailed in Dutch waters for 12 days. The vessel did not transmit the mandatory AIS signal, which meant its location was not immediately visible to other ships. The ship is not transmitting AIS data now while in Belgian waters.
Dutch broadcaster KRO-NCRV claims that the Admiral Vladimirsky is spying for the Russian government, including through the use of underwater drones. The ships of the Russian shadow fleet are also accused of damaging undersea cables.
The Admiral Vladimirsky docked in the port of Havana © PHOTO YAMIL LAGE / AFP
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