Map Shows NATO Targets Within Range of Putin's Hypersonic Missile Warship

Newsweek's map delineates the range of NATO-targeting nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles reportedly aboard Russia's frigate, the Admiral Kasatonov, stationed near the German coast. This comes in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat of a retaliatory strike on British and EU vessels. The Admiral Kasatonov, docked near Fehmarn, an island popular with tourists, carries Zircon hypersonic missiles, also known as 3M22 Zircon, according to the Daily Telegraph.

These missiles are notoriously difficult for air defense systems to intercept due to their high speeds. Moscow has previously utilized Zircon missiles in Ukraine during its ongoing invasion. The whereabouts of the Admiral Kasatonov are currently uncertain, as it may have been sailing with its tracking system turned off. This deployment to the Baltic Sea occurred days after the destroyer Admiral Levchenko arrived in the region.

Russian state media has captured footage of President Putin visiting the vessel in December 2023, showcasing its advanced capabilities, including the ability to conduct long-range strikes and anti-submarine warfare. The positioning of the Admiral Kasatonov in the Baltic Sea underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO.

The U.S. intelligence report cited by The Wall Street Journal suggests that Moscow may launch an attack on the Western alliance within weeks to gauge its resolve. This could potentially manifest as a small-scale assault on Poland or a Baltic state. U.S. and NATO officials believe Putin might escalate his aggression against the alliance if he cannot find a satisfactory resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Scenarios under consideration include a cyberattack and a limited incursion to challenge NATO's cohesion and commitment to the Article 5 mutual defense pledge.