The Defense Ministry said in a statement that Russian vessels had entered the Netherlands’ exclusive economic zone in the North Sea and were en route to the Mediterranean Sea.
Under international law, Russian ships have the right to pass through this part of the North Sea, but they were escorted by Dutch naval units – as the Ministry of Defense said – “to urge awareness”.
In March, the Dutch Navy escorted another Russian fleet into the North Sea, and the Russian fleet returned in 2022. According to MIVD military intelligence, the sabotage operation was foiled.
Dutch special services have recently warned that Russian ships are mapping internet cables, gas pipelines and wind turbines off the coast of the Netherlands, which could indicate preparations to sabotage the country’s energy infrastructure.
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