The Russian navy-affiliated tug SARMAT (IMO 8027133) has been towing an unknown object back and forth east of Gotland, Sweden, since August 30, 2026, operating partly inside Swedish territorial waters. Concurrently, German navy forces with Swedish assistance conducted submarine activities in the area for approximately 13-14 days, officially described as exercises. The tug's movements, displaying constant 90-100° bearing toward specific depths, have raised suspicions of sonar operations, as noted by naval architect Björn. The area of interest is near disused communication cable infrastructure to Kaliningrad. The Russian navy sailing ship KRUZENSHTERN (IMO 6822979) also arrived and stopped over the same depth region. Latvian navy is closely monitoring the situation. Swedish and German naval units have recently departed naval base Karlskrona, possibly ending their prolonged activities.

The Russian navy-affiliated tug SARMAT (IMO 8027133) has been towing an unknown object back and forth east of Gotland, Sweden, since August 30, 2026, operating partly inside Swedish territorial waters. Concurrently, German navy forces with Swedish assistance conducted submarine activities in the area for approximately 13-14 days, officially described as exercises. The tug's movements, displaying constant 90-100° bearing toward specific depths, have raised suspicions of sonar operations, as noted by naval architect Björn. The area of interest is near disused communication cable infrastructure to Kaliningrad. The Russian navy sailing ship KRUZENSHTERN (IMO 6822979) also arrived and stopped over the same depth region. Latvian navy is closely monitoring the situation. Swedish and German naval units have recently departed naval base Karlskrona, possibly ending their prolonged activities.