On 12 August 2026, the Russian Navy increased its naval presence in the Baltic Sea by deploying several surface combatants including the frigate SKR-461 Admiral Kasatanov, escorted by a tanker, passing through the Great Belt. The frigate was flying a new battle ensign, which appears unstained and indicates symbolic reinforcement. This deployment was shadowed by a larger than usual NATO naval presence. Additional Russian naval assets present in the Baltic Sea in August 2026 included one destroyer (BPK-605), multiple frigates (including SKR-461 and SKR-494), several corvettes (MRK-626, 2 Steregushchiy-class, 6 Buyan-M class, and 6 Karakurt class), and three Kilo-class submarines (B-261, B-265, B-608). Concurrently, Russian political figures including President Putin and Medvedev issued threats of reciprocal responses to NATO seizures, reflecting heightened tensions.

On 12 August 2026, the Russian Navy increased its naval presence in the Baltic Sea by deploying several surface combatants including the frigate SKR-461 Admiral Kasatanov, escorted by a tanker, passing through the Great Belt. The frigate was flying a new battle ensign, which appears unstained and indicates symbolic reinforcement. This deployment was shadowed by a larger than usual NATO naval presence. Additional Russian naval assets present in the Baltic Sea in August 2026 included one destroyer (BPK-605), multiple frigates (including SKR-461 and SKR-494), several corvettes (MRK-626, 2 Steregushchiy-class, 6 Buyan-M class, and 6 Karakurt class), and three Kilo-class submarines (B-261, B-265, B-608). Concurrently, Russian political figures including President Putin and Medvedev issued threats of reciprocal responses to NATO seizures, reflecting heightened tensions.