Russian sub interferes with science vessel in Baltic
Swedish Radio News reports that a Russian submarine forced a Finnish research vessel with Swedish scientists onboard to change course while in international waters in the Baltic.
The researchers from the Swedish weather service SHMI were going to take water samples, when the captain of the Russian submarine told them to move. The situation reportedly lasted a couple of hours and Swedish military aircraft later arrived to monitor the events.
There have been a number of recent incidents of Russian navy ships interfering with research vessels in international waters, as well as Russian warplanes coming close to or intruding into Swedish airspace.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: The Canadian Arctic Council Ministerial – What to Expect, Blog by Heather Exner-Pirot
Denmark: Nordics to step up security cooperation on perceived Russian threat, Yle News
Finland: Survey – More than half of reservists in Finland pro-Nato, Yle News
Norway: Norway summons Russian Ambassador, Barents Observer
Russia: “Norway has no right to stop anyone from visiting Svalbard:” Russia, Barents Observer
Sweden: Russia concerned by Finland, Sweden moves towards closer ties with NATO, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. Arctic rep: Russia’s Arctic buildup not necessarily martial, Alaska Public Radio Network
