US-Russia Tensions in the East Sea... Russia "Prevents US Warship Territorial Waters Intrusion"

Russia "US Destroyer 'Chafee' Attempts to Enter Territorial Waters"
US "Russian Statement is False" Rebuttal

Russian Udaloy-class destroyer 'Admiral Tributs' photographed on site by the US military [Photo by US Pacific Fleet]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The United States and Russia engaged in a fierce standoff over the activities of their naval vessels in the northern East Sea.

On the 15th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed in a statement that it had prevented a US destroyer from intruding into its territorial waters near Vladivostok in the East Sea.

The Ministry of Defense stated, "At around 5 p.m. on the 15th, the US Navy destroyer Chafee (DDG 90, 9,200-ton class) approached Russian waters and attempted to enter territorial waters."

It added that the US destroyer was in a restricted area due to a joint Russian-Chinese live-fire exercise, and that the nearby Russian Navy destroyer Admiral Tributs sent a warning via international communication channels.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed, "After receiving the warning, Chafee raised a flag indicating helicopter takeoff preparations instead of changing course, which means it could not change its course or speed, and Chafee showed movements to intrude into the Peter the Great Bay (near Vladivostok)."

The Ministry said, "Admiral Tributs maneuvered to prevent the US destroyer's intrusion into territorial waters while complying with international navigation regulations, and only after the two vessels approached within 60 meters at around 5:50 p.m. did the US destroyer change direction."

The United States refuted Russia's claims, emphasizing that Chafee was operating in accordance with international law and navigating normally.

The US Indo-Pacific Command stated, "Chafee was conducting routine operations in international waters of the East Sea when a Russian Udaloy-class destroyer came within 65 yards (about 60 meters) of Chafee."

The Indo-Pacific Command countered, "Russia only sent ineffective aviation and navigation notifications to the local air force and navy in the afternoon, belatedly informing about the Russian and Chinese exercises."

The command added, "The interaction was conducted safely and professionally. The US Navy always operates in accordance with international law and international customs and will continue to fly and navigate in compliance with international law."

Chafee is an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer named after former US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Arleigh Albert Burke. It frequently docks in South Korea, including entering East Sea ports during the 2009 ROK-US joint exercises.

Regarding the standoff, foreign media analyzed that it reflects the rapidly deteriorating relations between the West and Russia.

AP News reported, "This incident reflects Russia's intention to prevent operations by the US and its allies near Russian territorial waters amid the worst relations between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War."

In June this year, Russia claimed that it fired warning shots and dropped bombs with military aircraft to drive away the British destroyer Defender near the Crimean Peninsula.

Britain denied Russia's claims, stating that it was not fired upon and was merely passing through Ukrainian territorial waters.

Voices in Russia foresee heightened tensions over the incident in the northern East Sea.

Former Russian Navy Chief of Staff Viktor Krapchenko told Interfax News Agency in an interview, "It is clear that the US wants to test our (Russia's) strength," and assessed the incident as having serious consequences.

AP News pointed out that Russia is strengthening its posture to prevent similar cases in the future, as revealed by this incident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.