Kaliningrad GPS jammer reactivated at high power; damaged fertilizer ship RUBY carrying 20,000 tons ammonium nitrate drifting near Skagerrak; cargo unloading options evaluated due to safety concerns; ongoing GPS/AIS disruptions in Baltic area.

Starting the workweek of late September 2024, Russian forces in Kaliningrad ramped their GPS jamming operations to 24/7 high-power mode after a lull since late July. Previously, the jamming was limited to night hours. The intent appears to be increased preparation against drone attacks or to disrupt Western aviation. In parallel, a separate GPS jammer near St Petersburg continued high-power activity since early July, affecting Estonia and Finland. Additionally, the Russian fertilizer ship RUBY, carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate and reported to have damaged rudder and propulsion, is drifting near Skagerak Strait after Malta refused port entry. There are concerns about potential risks from the vessel, though Russian hostile intent in this context is judged low by the source. However, the GPS jamming represents a clear aggressive signal from Russia toward NATO and Baltic states. Estonian and Norwegian maritime authorities are monitoring the RUBY’s precarious situation involving ammonium nitrate cargo.