Putin sends frigate with hypersonic missiles near NATO
The Russian Navy’s frigate Admiral Gorshkov armed with Tsirkon hypersonic missiles has started a trip from the Black Sea to the Atlantic Ocean as angry Russia moves to take more belligerent positions near NATO countries in retaliation to military equipment flowing into Ukraine.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, said that the ship was going to the NATO countries’ shores.
Ukrainian Navy stated on on Facebook page that the sending ceremony of frigate Gorshkov was personally led by President Vladimir Putin.
The frigate will perform combat duty in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic and Indian oceans. During combat service, training use of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles is planned, according to the report.
“There are no wins of the Black Sea Fleet, so measures have been taken at the state level to go on a long-distance campaign, away from the Black Sea,” Ukrainian Navy mocked Russia.
Medvedev, in turn, said purpose of the shipment was to get closer to NATO countries and to create a threat to the United States in particular.
“The main New Year’s gift with the ammunition of the Tsirkon missiles went to the shores of NATO countries yesterday. Their range of 1,000 km with hypersound at Mach 9 and the ability to use any charge with a guarantee to overcome any anti-aircraft defence. Let it stand somewhere 100 miles away from the shore, closer to the Potomac River [near the US capital]. So rejoice! [The frigate] will bring anyone who poses a direct threat to Russia and our allies to their senses.”
The Ukrainian Navy counted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have destroyed 16 ships and boats of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, and damaged several more.
